By Nusrat Lasisi
Reading in the news some sort of tacit support and encouragement being given by Federal University of Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) to an alleged sexual predator by promoting him to the rank of a reader sent shockwaves down my spine.
This was the institution my kid brother had chosen as first choice before he was bundled off to a private school after the snail-like admission process that left us without hope.
The fact that my brother eventually got admitted to the institution made me even more furious and worried when I read the news of the promotion of this predator. I feared instantly of what it would mean to be a student in a varsity where sexual predators receive encouragement for their nefarious act.
The accused lecturer, now a reader, Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia who is indicted of sexual misconduct has now been “punished” with a 5million per annum salary and a rank.
This is after he has been alleged by several female students of victimization and the most recent one was that of a young lady who he failed for not dancing to his tune only for it to be discovered, following her father’s petition, that she indeed passed.
It’s evident that there is immunity attached to this particular lecturer as similar case in the history of FUOYE led to the dismissal of the accused lecturer. Moreover, it is worrisome that the vice-chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina looks to be supporting the accused lecturer, which not only sends the wrong message about the institution but him as a leader.
First the silence, and then the ensuing lack of critical actions at FUOYE, an institution of higher learning has got to be the irony of the year. As a varsity with student union, academic laws and regulations, accepting this unprecedented act speaks volume on the values, respect and protection of rights, women’s rights especially in such place.
The smoke from FUOYE’s fire should be prevented from reaching the sky before its sacrifice of women’s rights and innocence becomes accepted, thereby setting the norm.
Injustice to one, anywhere is injustice to all everywhere. And I speak as a woman who, could have been in the shoes of any of the ladies victimized in FUOYE and everywhere abuse is perpetrated in the Nigerian higher institutions.
This travesty must not stand. I hope the University Board/Council will rise to save FUOYE from an ageless ignominy.
I call on the media to intensify their interest in this case. Also, I appeal to the civil society groups to mount strong pressure on the university to retrace their steps and take the right actions. It is time for FUOYE vice chancellor to address the issues more honestly.
