The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended its Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, James Iyanuoluwa Adio, alongside two senior officials over allegations linked to the unauthorised collection of money from students.

The university also suspended two students over their alleged involvement in the circulation of a private video linked to the suspended student leader, further deepening a controversy that has generated reactions within the institution and beyond.

Officials Suspended Over Alleged Levy Collection

In a statement issued on June 17, the university registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, announced the suspension of Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Banji Rildwan Olaleye, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services; and SUG President James Adio.

The action followed a petition alleging that some 100-level students were compelled to pay ₦1,000 each for practical sessions.

According to the university, a preliminary fact-finding committee was established to investigate the allegations and invited all affected parties to respond.

Management said the committee found that Ogunjobi allegedly approved and collected the money without obtaining the required approvals from the university Senate, management, or the Bursary Department.

Olaleye was also accused of participating in the collection process.

SUG President Linked to Funds

The university alleged that Adio was indirectly connected to the matter after he reportedly participated in the sharing of an initial amount before later demanding a refund.

Management claimed that ₦700,000 was subsequently transferred into the student leader’s personal bank account.

FUOYE reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that it would not tolerate extortion, abuse of office, financial misconduct, or corruption in any form.

NANS Challenges Suspension

The suspensions drew criticism from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which described the action against the SUG president as unfair.

On June 19, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde met with FUOYE Vice-Chancellor Professor Joshua Ogunwole to discuss the matter.

During the meeting, Babatunde reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the suspension, while the vice-chancellor explained the circumstances surrounding the decision and promised a fair review by the university Senate.

The vice-chancellor also directed an investigation into the leak of Adio’s private information, including an explicit video that circulated online.

Two Students Suspended Over Leaked Video

On June 20, FUOYE announced the suspension of two students, Alao Iyanuoluwa Odunayo and Olawale Abiodun Samuel.

According to the university, the students allegedly conspired to publish the suspended SUG president’s private affairs online after he failed to meet their financial demands.

A statement signed on behalf of the Acting Vice-Chancellor by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Opoola, described the alleged act as cyberbullying capable of damaging the institution’s reputation.

The students were suspended pending the conclusion of further investigations.

The university Senate is expected to review the suspensions and related findings as investigations continue.