DVC Debunks Allegations of Religious Intolerance at FUOYE

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, has refuted allegations of religious intolerance against Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Fasina, emphasizing that the administration is inclusive and supportive of the Muslim community on campus.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, has refuted claims that the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, suppresses the Muslim community on campus, emphasizing that the administration is religiously inclusive.

Opoola, a Muslim, issued a statement in Ado Ekiti on Friday in response to accusations from the leader of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, who alleged that Prof. Fasina had twice prevented Muslims from attending Jumaat prayers due to overlapping university programs.

Clarifying the situation, Opoola described Prof. Fasina as a “highly religiously tolerant leader,” noting that a recent university congregation was scheduled from 10 am to 12 pm on a Friday, allowing Muslim members to attend Jumaat prayers without interference. He added that FUOYE’s inaugural lectures typically occur from 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays, and the last lecture in question was delayed until 3 pm, after the Jumaat service.

Opoola criticized those who misled MURIC’s leader, asserting that their intentions were “selfish and mischievous.” He also commended MURIC’s concern for Muslim welfare at FUOYE but underscored the positive actions taken by Prof. Fasina to support Islam on campus.

Opoola highlighted the harmonious relationship between Muslim and Christian communities at FUOYE’s Oye and Ikole campuses, attributing it to the non-discriminatory attitude of the VC, who has significantly supported the Muslim community, including funding the construction of a mosque and providing a new site for a larger mosque at the Oye campus.

The VC’s commitment to inclusivity was further evidenced by his attendance at Convocation Jumaat services and the accommodation of Islamic dress codes, such as the Niqab, in the students’ handbook during his tenure.

Opoola also listed several key Muslim appointments made by the VC, including himself as DVC (Administration), Alhaji Mufutau Ibrahim as Registrar, Prof. Oyedokun Wasiu-Alli as Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Olawale Musbau as Director of FUOYE Medical Centre, Prof. Olaide Hammed as Director of the Directorate of Affiliations, and Dr. Basiru Ajiboye as Head of Translation Research Centre, among others.

He concluded by affirming that there is no animosity between the Muslim community and the VC or other parties at FUOYE, where all faiths coexist peacefully like brothers and sisters on campus.