Ajayi Crowther University Sparks Outrage by Reinstating Lecturer Guilty of Sexual Assault

Ajayi Crowther University, a faith-based institution under the Anglican Communion, is facing widespread backlash after reinstating Dr. Adeyinka Adeoye, a lecturer previously found guilty of sexually assaulting two students, as head of the English Department. This controversial decision has raised concerns about the institution’s commitment to safeguarding students and enforcing accountability.

According to sources, the accusations against Dr. Adeoye surfaced in 2022 when a female student from the Department of English reported being sexually assaulted by him. Following this, another student came forward with a similar allegation. In response, the university established a disciplinary panel, which concluded that Dr. Adeoye was guilty of the accusations. Despite expectations that he would be dismissed, the university chose a different course of action.

Following the students’ graduation in 2022, Dr. Adeoye was initially assigned to work at the university's radio station. By 2023, however, he was reinstated to his former department without further disciplinary actions. Recently, he was promoted to head the same department, sparking outrage among students, alumni, and university staff who participated in the initial investigation.

“Not only did the school bring him back, but they’re reportedly preparing to promote him to associate professor,” a source within the university told FIJ. “It’s shocking to see this happen in a faith-based institution that should uphold integrity and a strict stance against such misconduct.”

When FIJ reached out for comments, members of the disciplinary panel declined to speak, instead referring inquiries to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Femi Atoyebi. Atoyebi suggested that FIJ visit the university premises to discuss the matter but had not responded to further questions on the subject by press time.

According to reports from FIJ, In a call, a university chaplain questioned the extent of the consequences for Dr. Adeoye, asking, “Should the man’s life be ruined after he has been punished?”