ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has suspended two senior officials and the President of the Students’ Union Government over allegations of unauthorised collection of funds from students.
The university’s Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, stating that the decision followed allegations that some students were compelled to pay an unauthorised levy.
The affected officials 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 organised by the directorate.
“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.
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He stated that the committee invited all individuals named in the petition and provided them with an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
“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.
The registrar said the committee’s findings indicated that Ogunjobi allegedly authorised and collected the funds without obtaining the required approval 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 said.
He further alleged that Olaleye participated in the collection process despite occupying a key position within the institution’s student affairs structure.
According to the registrar, the SUG president was also linked to the matter.
Ibrahim alleged that Adio was indirectly involved in the handling of the funds, claiming that he participated in the sharing of an initial amount and later requested a refund, which allegedly led to the transfer of N700,000 into his personal bank account.
The university management said the allegations were inconsistent with its commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form,” Ibrahim stated.
He added that the institution remained committed to safeguarding students from exploitation and ensuring that all financial transactions comply with established university regulations.
According to the registrar, the suspension of the affected officials forms part of ongoing efforts to preserve the integrity of the institution while investigations continue.