●University Panel, Rights Groups Investigate Allegations as Lecturer Denies Wrongdoing
A female student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has accused a lecturer, Mr. Raphael Segun Larayetan, of sexually assaulting her and later passing her contact details to another colleague who allegedly attempted to lure her for another encounter.
The student, identified as Roseline (surname withheld), a 400-level student in the Department of English and Literary Studies, recounted to FIJ how the lecturer—who also serves as the department’s examination officer—sexually harassed and ultimately raped her after years of unwanted advances and intimidation.
Years of Harassment
According to Roseline, Larayetan’s inappropriate behavior began during her first year in the university when she served as her class’s deputy governor. She said the lecturer often summoned her to his office under the pretext of class-related duties, using the opportunity to ask suggestive personal questions such as whether she was a virgin or had a boyfriend.
Despite her repeated refusals and a formal report to the then Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Ali Wasiu Oyedokun, the lecturer allegedly continued to seek her attention through various manipulative tactics.
The Alleged Rape
Roseline told FIJ that the assault occurred on January 11, 2025, when she went to deliver N5,000 worth of new Naira notes to Larayetan as part of her small business. The lecturer allegedly invited her into his home on Adebayo Road, Ado-Ekiti, under the guise of collecting his order but instead followed her to a room, overpowered her, and raped her.
“He grabbed me from behind. I was shouting, but he said no one would hear me. When he was done, I saw the condom he used on the floor,” Roseline recounted tearfully.
The student said Larayetan later warned her not to report to the police, claiming that “nobody would believe” her story.
Retaliation Through Academic Victimization
Following the incident, Roseline said her relationship with the lecturer deteriorated further. When first-semester results were released, she allegedly found that three of her courses were marked as failed with “ZERO F.” She insisted she had attended all lectures and exams, accusing the lecturer of tampering with her results in retaliation.
As the department’s exam officer, Larayetan had control over result uploads—a position Roseline claims he used to punish her for rejecting his advances.
Contact Passed to Another Lecturer
In July, another lecturer, Mr. Soboyejo Oludemi of the Department of History and International Studies, allegedly contacted Roseline through WhatsApp, using disappearing messages and evasive language. He reportedly told her he was calling “on behalf of someone helping her with her results” and invited her to Ado-Ekiti to “speak one-on-one.”
Roseline said she recognized that the person referred to was Larayetan and concluded that her contact details had been shared without consent. She described the experience as “terrifying,” noting that it felt like another attempt to lure her into danger.
Student Petition and Ongoing Investigation
Roseline has since submitted a petition to the FUOYE Student Union Government (SUG), which forwarded the case to university management. According to the SUG President, Adio James Iyanuoluwa, the university has set up an investigative panel, although he expressed surprise that some meetings were held without his knowledge.
In addition, the Omolade Asake Foundation, a gender rights organization, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) have taken up the case. The Ekiti State Ministry of Justice has also commenced independent investigations.
Lecturer Denies Allegation
When contacted by FIJ, Larayetan dismissed all allegations as “absolute lies,” insisting that the university’s ongoing investigation would vindicate him.
“I am not in any form to intimidate anybody,” he said. “Whoever wants to tarnish my image will meet their waterloo. The school has constituted a panel to look into the case, and I will be vindicated. God is in charge.”
He further claimed to have “evidence and confessional statements” to prove his innocence but declined to elaborate, citing the ongoing institutional process.
Institutional Response and Advocacy
Sources within FUOYE confirmed that the accused lecturer has already appeared before the investigative panel, while Roseline is expected to testify soon, supported by the Omolade Asake Foundation.
A representative of the foundation told FIJ that they are ensuring the student receives legal and psychological assistance. “The school was initially reluctant to act, but we followed up personally to ensure accountability,” the source said.
The organization emphasized that sexual assault within tertiary institutions “remains a public health and human rights concern” and vowed to pursue justice for the survivor.
Broader Context
This latest incident adds to growing concerns over sexual exploitation and abuse in Nigerian universities. FUOYE has faced several previous cases of alleged sexual misconduct among its academic staff, prompting renewed calls for institutional reforms, stricter disciplinary measures, and better student protection frameworks.
As investigations continue, the university community and advocacy groups are watching closely to ensure transparency and justice for Roseline.
