The Integrity Youth Alliance (IYA) has called on the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, to suspend the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, pending an independent investigation into allegations surrounding his administration.
The call was contained in an open letter dated October 1, 2026, addressed to the Minister by the organisation’s national leadership.
Ogunwole assumed office as FUOYE’s fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor in February 2026 and is currently listed by the university as its Vice-Chancellor.
According to the IYA, the allegations requiring investigation include alleged academic fraud, impersonation, forgery, falsification of official documents, irregular or illegal appointment, privacy violations, workplace harassment, victimisation, cyberbullying and threats to life.
The group stressed that the allegations remain unproven, saying its demand for suspension was not intended to amount to a declaration of guilt but to protect the integrity of any investigation.
It argued that, as the university’s chief executive, the Vice-Chancellor’s continued control of institutional records, personnel and administrative structures while being investigated could raise concerns about possible interference with the process.
The organisation therefore urged the Minister to constitute an independent probe panel comprising persons with relevant expertise and no personal, professional or financial interest in the matter.
It also called for the preservation of university records, correspondence and electronic data that may be relevant to the investigation, as well as protection for witnesses and complainants against intimidation or victimisation.
The IYA further urged Professor Ogunwole to cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force and other competent authorities investigating the allegations, arguing that evidence and due process should determine the outcome.
The call comes amid reports of a police operation at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence in Ado-Ekiti on September 30. Reports said police officers arrived at the residence in the early hours of the day, while Ogunwole reportedly questioned their identity and purpose. The incident subsequently drew reactions from the FUOYE Students’ Union.
The Alliance said the competing accounts surrounding the incident further underscored the need for an impartial investigation rather than competing media narratives.
It called on all parties to allow competent authorities to establish the facts, stressing that the presumption of innocence should be maintained while allegations are properly investigated.
The group also urged the Education Ministry to publish the outcome of any administrative investigation, subject to lawful restrictions relating to privacy, confidentiality and ongoing criminal proceedings.
FUOYE currently describes the Office of the Vice-Chancellor as its apex administrative and academic coordination centre, responsible for institutional governance, leadership and stakeholder relations.
