Nigerian university suspends officials, SUG president over extortion allegations

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Nigeria has suspended two senior officials and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) president following allegations of unauthorized money collection from students. The Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, announced the action, stating it stemmed from claims that students were forced to pay an unapproved levy.

“

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.

The suspended officials are 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 Iyanuoluwa Adio. Ogunjobi and Olaleye allegedly collected N1,000 from each 100-level student for practical sessions without proper university approval. A preliminary fact-finding committee investigated the allegations, giving all named individuals a chance 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.

According to the committee's findings, Ogunjobi allegedly authorized and collected the funds without consulting the university senate, management, or adhering to directives that all payments must go through the bursary. Olaleye is accused of facilitating the collection process despite his role in student affairs. The SUG president, Adio, was implicated for indirectly handling funds, allegedly participating in an initial distribution and later requesting a refund that led to N700,000 being transferred to his personal account.

“

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.

FUOYE management emphasized that these alleged actions contradict 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. The institution reaffirmed its dedication to protecting students from exploitation and ensuring financial integrity.

“

The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form.