FUOYE Deputy Dean Claims Suspension Over Alleged Extortion Was Pre-Planned

FUOYE Deputy Dean Alleges Suspension Was Planned Before Extortion Investigation

The suspended Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Dr Banji Olaleye, has alleged that his suspension over claims of student extortion was predetermined long before any investigation was completed.

Olaleye made the allegation while responding to the university's decision to suspend him alongside the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, James Adio.

The university had announced the suspensions following allegations that students were made to pay an unauthorized ₦1,000 levy.

Lecturer Claims Administration Wanted Him Removed

Speaking on the matter, Olaleye claimed the university's current administration had been seeking his removal since February, shortly after the emergence of the institution's new leadership.

According to him, some individuals within the administration believed he did not support the appointment of the current Vice-Chancellor, leading to tensions between him and university authorities.

He maintained that he was not involved in any political process relating to the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and described suggestions linking him to such matters as unfounded.

Dispute Over Entrepreneurship Practical Fees

Olaleye explained that the controversy originated from disagreements between the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and student representatives regarding funding for practical entrepreneurship sessions.

According to him, his involvement only began after the Dean of Student Affairs requested his intervention to resolve disputes between student leaders and the directorate.

He stated that the Directorate of Entrepreneurship informed him that funds for practical sessions had not been released on time, prompting the collection of ₦1,000 from students to support programme activities.

The lecturer insisted that he did not authorize the collection of funds but only participated in efforts to mediate between students and university officials.

Recovery and Remittance of Funds

Olaleye said he later assisted in ensuring that money already collected by class representatives was recovered and remitted.

According to him, approximately ₦2.5 million was recovered during the process.

He further claimed that the Directorate of Entrepreneurship instructed that ₦1 million be given to student representatives as appreciation for their cooperation, while the remaining ₦1.5 million was transferred to an account designated by the directorate.

The suspended deputy dean maintained that he merely communicated decisions taken by relevant university officials and played no role in handling or diverting any funds.

Questions Over Investigation Process

The lecturer criticized the disciplinary process adopted by the university, arguing that he was suspended before the investigation was concluded.

According to him, his suspension subjected him to public embarrassment while facts surrounding the allegations were still being examined.

He also questioned why he received an official query several days after his suspension had already taken effect.

Olaleye stated that he responded to the query, appealed the suspension decision, and petitioned the Chairman of the Governing Council to allow investigations to run their full course before disciplinary measures were implemented.

Reinstatement of SUG President Raises Concerns

The suspended official also pointed to the reinstatement of the Students’ Union Government president as evidence that questions remain unanswered regarding the allegations.

He argued that the reversal of disciplinary action against the student leader had prompted concerns among observers about the basis for sanctions imposed on university staff.

Olaleye insisted that he never collected money from students and challenged anyone to provide evidence linking him to financial misconduct.

Management Rejects Allegations

Reacting to the claims, FUOYE's Director of Public Relations, Dr Sunday Saanu, dismissed allegations that the suspension was politically motivated.

According to the university spokesperson, the institution's actions were guided solely by its anti-extortion policy.

Saanu stated that the university's Senate and Governing Council had adopted strict measures against extortion and other forms of misconduct involving students.

He explained that university authorities acted after a committee established what management considered a prima facie case against those involved.

University Defends Anti-Extortion Measures

The university maintained that student welfare remains a priority and that any staff member found culpable of exploiting students would face disciplinary consequences.

Saanu rejected suggestions that the case was connected to internal politics or support for the Vice-Chancellor, describing such claims as attempts to discredit the institution's disciplinary process.

He further stated that the university remains committed to ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance with its regulations.

Controversy Continues

The dispute has generated widespread discussion within the university community, with differing accounts emerging from both the suspended official and university management.

As investigations and internal disciplinary processes continue, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor developments and any final decisions reached by the institution regarding the allegations.