University has issued a firm rebuttal to recent online reports alleging sexual misconduct involving a candidate in its ongoing Vice-Chancellor selection process. The institution described the claims as “baseless, malicious, and entirely fictitious,” reaffirming its commitment to a transparent and merit-driven appointment process.
In a statement signed by Joshua Suleiman, Director of Marketing and Communications, the university addressed a September 12 article published by The People’s Gazette, which cited opposition from a purported Seventh-day Adventist advocacy group. Babcock University clarified that it has no record of any such group or individual named “Elder Samson Fasasi,” labeling the names and affiliations mentioned as fabricated.
The university specifically defended Professor (Pastor) Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, a former Associate Vice-President for Spiritual Life, stating unequivocally that he “has never been involved, accused, dismissed, or sanctioned on grounds of sexual infidelity with any student or any other individual.” His 2018 leave of absence, the university added, was granted for family reasons and followed institutional policy.
Babcock emphasized that its Vice-Chancellor selection is “a sacred and spiritual exercise grounded in merit, excellence, and prayerful consideration.” The process, it noted, is not political and cannot be manipulated by any individual. The university also dismissed claims that its outgoing Vice-Chancellor altered bylaws to favor any candidate, explaining that all amendments undergo rigorous approval by the Governing Council and Board of Trustees.