FUOYE suspends SUG president, two staff members over alleged extortion

By Boye Oyeyemi

The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has suspended three officials, including a student leader, over allegations of collecting unauthorised fees from students.

The affected individuals are the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Olanrewaju Ogunjobi; the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services, Dr Banji Olaleye; and the SUG President, James Adio.

The university’s Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the action followed allegations of financial impropriety involving the collection of money from newly admitted students.

According to the statement, the management received a petition from a Students’ Union official alleging that each 100-level student was compelled to pay N1,000 for practical sessions organised by the directorate.

The registrar further revealed that a preliminary fact-finding committee was set up to investigate the claims, adding that all those mentioned in the petition appeared before the panel and were allowed to defend themselves.

The university alleged that Ogunjobi approved and collected the levy without obtaining clearance from the institution’s senate or management and other approved payment channels. Olaleye was also accused of participating in the collection process despite his official role in student affairs.

The management further alleged that the SUG president was indirectly linked to the matter, claiming he was involved in the sharing of part of the proceeds and later requested the return of funds, leading to the transfer of N700,000 into his personal bank account.

FUOYE said the trio would remain on suspension pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings, stressing that it would not condone extortion, abuse of office, corruption, or any act capable of tarnishing the institution’s reputation.