The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has suspended two senior officials and the President of the Students’ Union Government over allegations relating to the unauthorised collection of money from students.
The university’s Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the action followed allegations that some students were compelled to pay an unauthorised levy.
Those suspended 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 Ibrahim, Ogunjobi and Olaleye were accused in a petition of collecting N1,000 from each 100-level student for practical sessions allegedly conducted by the directorate.
The registrar said the university acted after receiving complaints and subsequently initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter.
“In the interest of fairness and in accordance with the principles of natural justice, management constituted a preliminary fact-finding committee to look into the allegations,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that the committee invited all individuals named in the petition and gave them the opportunity to respond.
“All persons mentioned in the petition were invited to appear before the committee.
“They were duly questioned and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them,” he added.
According to the registrar, the committee’s findings indicated that Ogunjobi allegedly approved and collected the funds without obtaining the required authorisation from the university authorities.
“With respect to Ogunjobi, the committee found that he allegedly authorised and collected the sum of one thousand naira from each affected student without recourse to the senate, management, or the university’s extant directives that all payments must be made through the bursary and with the approval of management,” Ibrahim stated.
The university also alleged that Olaleye played a role in the collection process despite occupying a key position within the institution’s student affairs structure.
Ibrahim further claimed that the SUG president was implicated in the handling of the funds.
According to him, Adio was indirectly involved in the matter and allegedly participated in the sharing of an initial amount before later requesting a refund, an action that reportedly resulted in the transfer of N700,000 into his personal bank account.
The university management said the allegations were inconsistent with its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process.
Ibrahim said: “The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form.”
He added that the institution remained committed to protecting students from exploitation and ensuring that all financial transactions comply with established procedures.
According to the registrar, the suspension of the three individuals forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of the institution while investigations into the allegations continue.
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