Babcock University Campus 

Babcock University has debunked a report alleging that one of the candidates Contesting for the office of Vice-Chancellor was being resisted over claims of sexual infidelity.

The institution, in a statement issued on Monday, faulted The People’s Gazette for publishing what it called a falsehood, insisting that neither the university nor its proprietors, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, recognise the so-called “Apostles Seventh-Day Adventist advocacy group” cited in the story.

According to the statement, “Neither the University nor its Proprietors are aware or know any Church advocacy group within the Seventh-day Adventist Church called ‘The Apostles Seventh-Day Adventist advocacy group’ or its so-called coordinator, Elder Samson Fasasi. The University therefore considers these names fictitious until proven otherwise.”

It also stressed that a former Associate Vice President for Spiritual Life mentioned in the report, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, had never faced any allegation of sexual misconduct.

The university explained that his leave of absence in 2018 was due to family reasons and not, as reported, to cover up any wrongdoing.

The statement added: “Professor (Pastor) Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole has never been involved, accused, dismissed, or sanctioned on grounds of sexual infidelity with any student or any other individual whatsoever.

This allegation is a product of reckless imagination and a deliberate attempt to malign the character of the Church, the University, and its leadership process.”

Reaffirming the credibility of its leadership transition, Babcock said the search for a new Vice-Chancellor is being conducted under “the highest spiritual, ethical, and procedural standards,” guided by the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s longstanding policies. It noted that the exercise is not political, nor subject to lobbying or manipulation.

The university further dismissed claims that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor tampered with its bye-laws to favour a particular candidate.

It explained that amendments to its laws can only be effected through several layers of governance, including the Senate, Governing Council, and Board of Trustees.

“The publication in The People’s Gazette is not only roguish but also a calculated attempt to undermine the integrity of the University, sow seeds of discord among the faithful, and cast aspersions on a process that has remained transparent, fair, and beyond reproach,” the statement read.

Babcock warned that it would not hesitate to seek legal redress if such reports persist, while appealing to candidates and their supporters to refrain from using falsehood and propaganda in matters relating to the institution.

It assured stakeholders that the appointment process for the next Vice-Chancellor remains transparent, fair, and guided solely by merit.

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