Lagos State University (LASU) has dismissed two senior lecturers following serious allegations of sexual harassment, financial impropriety, and abuse of office.
The university’s Governing Council approved the dismissal at its 143rd Statutory Meeting held on Thursday, July 3. The decision was made public in a statement released Friday by the university’s Registrar, Emmanuel Fanu.
Those affected are Dr. Olatunji Abanikanda, Dean of the School of Agriculture at LASU’s Epe campus, and Dr. Khadeejah Kareem-Ibraheem, Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences, also at the Epe campus.
According to the university, Dr. Abanikanda was found guilty of multiple infractions, including inhumane treatment of 400-level students, whom he allegedly kept on the school farm from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. without food or water, even during heavy rainfall. He was also accused of sexually harassing female students, using abusive language and threats against staff and students, and illegally collecting money in contravention of university policy.
Dr. Kareem-Ibraheem’s dismissal stemmed from violations of university procedures and financial misconduct. She was found to have diverted proceeds from the sale of farm produce, totalling over ₦10.6 million, into her personal account instead of remitting the funds to the university.
“These actions constitute serious misconduct and violate the university’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff,” Fanu said. He added that LASU is committed to upholding high ethical standards and will not tolerate acts of sexual harassment, fraud, or abuse of power within its system.
The university has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning that disciplinary actions will continue to be taken against any staff member found guilty of violating its core values.
