FUOYE suspends director, deputy dean, and SUG president over alleged extortion of students

The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended a director, a deputy dean, and the president of the Students' Union Government (SUG) over allegations of unauthorised collection of money from students. The decision follows a petition and a preliminary investigation into the alleged extortion.

University Registrar Mufutau A. Ibrahim announced the suspensions in a statement, naming the affected officials as Olanrewaju Patrick Ogunjobi, Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Dr Banji Rildwan Olaleye, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services; and James Iyanuoluwa Adio, SUG President.

According to the university, a petition from an SUG official alleged that Ogunjobi authorised and collected N1,000 from each 100-level student for practical sessions under his directorate. The levy was reportedly collected without approval from the Senate, management, or through the institution's official payment procedures. Dr Olaleye was accused of assisting Ogunjobi in the collection process despite his role within the Student Affairs structure.

The SUG president was also implicated. The registrar stated that Adio allegedly participated in sharing an initial sum collected and later demanded the return of funds, resulting in N700,000 being transferred into his personal bank account.

A preliminary fact-finding committee was constituted to investigate the allegations, with all named individuals appearing before it and given the opportunity to respond. The university described the actions as antithetical to its ongoing campaign against corruption and extortion. Registrar Ibrahim reiterated the institution's commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, accountability, and discipline, adding that the university would not tolerate extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form. The three officials remain suspended pending the outcome of full disciplinary proceedings.