A group,under the aegis of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti Progressives (FUOYE Progressives), which comprises students, alumni members and staff members of the university community, has berated a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) and an online medium for spreading campaign of calumny against ex-vice-chancellor of the University and ambassadorial nominee, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
The group declared that the evil machinations arising out of political vendetta would not stand. The group accused the online medium of shamelessly maligning the reputation of the astute administrator even after he has been vindicated by both the police and authorities of the University after thorough investigations. It also described the coalition of CSOs as a team of sponsored blackmailers for political vendetta whose evil plans would collapse.
The FUOYE progressives urged President Tinubu to ignore the rantings of these two parties and concentrate on ensuring that Prof. Fasina emerges the new ambassador as nominated so that he could bring his Midas touch in leadership to bear in the new assignment the same way he has amazingly transformed the Federal University Oye-Ekiti from an obscure public varsity to a renowned 21st century university ranking fourth most subscribed varsity in Nigeria in five years.
A statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Dr. Kehinde Alao, reads in part: “Our advice to Nigerians is to rather take, with a pinch of salt, any news publication by this Unethical news blog .Even Al described the medium as very unethical and unprofessional news blog!, need we say more.
“Prof. Fasina’s excellent performance as FUOYE’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor are abundantly evidenced on the now amazingly looking twin campuses of the University in Oye-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti. The staff and students of the University have on several occasions acknowledged and appreciated him for the many milestones.
“Countless publications about these great achievements by national dailies are all over the media space. President Tinubu is fully aware of these giant strides and this is why he chose to nominate Prof. Fasina as non- career Ambassador, so that he could bring his Midas touch as a quintessential administrator to bear as a worthy Ambassador of Nigeria in the diaspora. For the records, Prof. Fasina’s exemplary leadership shot FUOYE into limelight making the university currently the fourth most sought after Nigerian public university by jamb applicants. The student population increased from above 20,000 to over 60,000 within a space of five years of his tenure. He built over 40 classrooms with blue roofs on the campus of the university. Prof. Fasina built the senate building, new academic building, professional complex, students sports complex and many other giant structures for the University which had firmly placed the Federal University Oye-Ekiti on the pedestal of a 21st century University.
“Prof. Fasina promoted over 100 professors deservedly in his five year tenure, he made the welfare of the staff and students a top priority of his administration by acquiring two Tata buses which transport staff and students on daily basis on highly subsidized fares of merely N300 for a trip that the commercial drivers in Ekiti charge N1500 for!
“During his tenure, many scholars and students of the university were celebrated for academic excellence. Grants worth millions of Naira were won while the students shined in many national and international contests. About two years ago, nine students of the university won doctorate scholarships in highly reputed universities in America. Six others in Accounting department passed excellently in ICAN. Prof. Fasina’s tremendous investment in state-of-the-Art facilities in sports led to great success in sports development for the students.
“He secured 310% % financial growth by moving the IGR generation from 2.3 billion to 12 billion. These and many more success stories abound during Prof. Fasina’s exemplary leadership in FUOYE. And so, it is not a surprise for such a man to be nominated as an Ambassador by our respected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Nigeria has a proud history of leveraging scholars and university leaders in diplomacy. Examples include Professor Adebowale Adefuye, a distinguished historian who served as Ambassador to the United States, and Professor Isaak Folorunso Adewole, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and a nominee for ambassadorial posting. Professor Monique Oshame Ekpong, a Professor of English, has excelled as Ambassador to Angola. These precedents show that academic leaders bring intellectual depth, credibility, and a global outlook that enriches Nigeria’s foreign service. Professor Fasina fits perfectly in this tradition.
“It is unfortunate that some unscrupulous elements continue to dredge up old allegations from Professor Fasina’s tenure, primarily claims of sexual harassment and administrative misconduct. These have been thoroughly investigated and roundly dismissed. The police conducted a detailed probe and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
“Two successive Governing Councils of FUOYE, including one led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, examined the matters—including through dedicated panels—and exonerated him completely, even condemning attempts at blackmail. These clearances affirm his integrity. The persistent referencing of cleared allegations appears to be a deliberate effort to undermine a capable leader rather than engage with facts.
“Nigerians deserve better than character assassination; public discourse should focus on verifiable achievements and forward-looking contributions. In nominating Professor Abayomi Fasina, President Tinubu has put a round peg in a round hole. His expertise, proven leadership, and commitment to excellence will bring immense benefits to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts—particularly in advancing food security, sustainable development, and international partnerships. Africa stands to gain as well from a voice that understands both scholarly inquiry and practical administration.
“This appointment is not just a reward for service but a smart investment in Nigeria’s global future. The Senate should move swiftly to confirm this outstanding choice, ” the group said.