The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended two senior staff members and the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) following allegations of unauthorised collection of money from students.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the university’s Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, who stated that the decision was taken after complaints emerged that students were allegedly compelled to pay an unapproved fee.
Those affected by the suspension are the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Olanrewaju Ogunjobi; the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services, Banji Rildwan Olaleye; and the SUG President, James Iyanuoluwa Adio.
According to the registrar, a petition submitted to the university accused Ogunjobi and Olaleye of collecting N1,000 from each 100-level student for practical sessions organised by the directorate without proper authorisation.
To investigate the matter, the university management established a preliminary fact-finding committee tasked with examining the allegations and gathering relevant information.
Ibrahim explained that all individuals named in the petition were invited before the committee, where they were given the opportunity to respond to the claims and present their side of the story.
Following its review, the committee reportedly found that Ogunjobi approved and collected the funds without obtaining clearance from the university senate, management, or other relevant authorities.
The committee also alleged that the collection process violated existing university regulations, which require that all official payments be processed through the bursary and approved by management.
Olaleye was similarly linked to the exercise, with the committee alleging that he played a role in the collection of the funds despite holding a key position within the student affairs unit.
The SUG President, Adio, was also implicated in the findings. According to the registrar, he was allegedly involved in the handling of part of the money collected.
The university claimed that Adio participated in the sharing of an initial amount and later requested reimbursement, which allegedly led to N700,000 being transferred into his personal bank account.
Reacting to the development, the university management reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of students from any form of exploitation.
Ibrahim stressed that the institution would not condone extortion, financial misconduct, abuse of office, or any action capable of undermining the integrity of the university system.
He further assured students and stakeholders that all financial transactions within the institution must comply strictly with established procedures and regulations.
The registrar noted that the suspension of the affected individuals remains part of an ongoing investigation aimed at establishing the full facts surrounding the allegations.
