NYCN Ignores SUG Warning, Leads Protest at FUOYE Over Alleged Corruption, Mismanagement
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ekiti State chapter, on Monday, defied warnings from the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) and went ahead with a mass protest on the university campus.
The demonstration, which drew hundreds of young people and civil society members, was aimed at pressing for the suspension of FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, and the dissolution of the institution’s governing council chaired by former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN).
Protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “FUOYE Needs Reform,” “End Corruption in Our Universities,” and “Audit FUOYE Accounts Now,” marched through the main campus gate chanting solidarity songs.
NYCN officials accused the university management of corruption, maladministration, and moral decadence.
The group claimed it had previously sent petitions to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, and anti-corruption agencies, but received no response — forcing them to take to the streets.
In a statement issued before the protest, NYCN chairman in Ekiti, Comrade Stephen Akinyemi, said the council had “relocated its operational base” to FUOYE until the federal government addressed their demands.
“We can no longer fold our arms while the integrity of one of our nation’s fastest-growing universities is being eroded by leadership failure and alleged misconduct,” Akinyemi stated.
The youth group also called for an independent forensic audit of the university’s finances from 2021, a probe into allegations of sexual harassment, and the restoration of “ethical governance and accountability” in the institution.
However, the Students’ Union Government of FUOYE had earlier issued a stern warning to the NYCN, cautioning against what it described as an “unauthorised and provocative protest.” The SUG argued that the campus is an academic environment, not a ground for political agitation.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Johnson Adebayo, and Secretary-General, Comfort Olalekan, the SUG said:
“The planned protest is capable of disrupting academic activities and jeopardising the peace currently enjoyed in our campus community. External bodies must seek approval before carrying out any activity within the university premises.”
Despite the warning, NYCN members proceeded with their protest under tight security surveillance. Police officers and campus security were deployed around key entrances to prevent possible clashes.
As of press time, no violence had been reported, though tension remained high within the university community. University authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the demonstration.
Observers say the standoff underscores the growing friction between youth organisations and student leadership across Nigerian campuses, as concerns mount over corruption and governance in tertiary institutions.
