A Reckoning at Lagos State University
In a move that underscores its zero-tolerance stance on ethical violations, Lagos State University (LASU) has dismissed two senior academic staff members following deeply troubling allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and financial impropriety. The decision was formally ratified during the university’s 143rd Statutory Governing Council meeting held on Friday.
This disciplinary action comes after a petition submitted by Taofeek Adekunle, an advocate with the Take It Back Movement, which accused the two lecturers of engaging in acts that not only violated university ethics but also endangered student welfare.
Who Are the Affected Lecturers?
The dismissed lecturers are Prof. Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikanda, the Dean of the Epe Campus and a senior academic in the Department of Agricultural Science, and Khadeejat Kareem-Ibraheem, Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture.
Both were found culpable after a six-week internal investigation, which exposed grave breaches of LASU’s code of conduct and professional ethics.
Disturbing Allegations and Findings
According to a statement issued by Emmanuel Fanu, LASU’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, the misconduct involved both inhumane treatment of students and misuse of institutional funds.
Prof. Abanikanda: From Farm Fields to Allegations of Abuse
The most shocking revelation involves Prof. Abanikanda, who allegedly forced 400-level students to endure harsh farm work from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., without rest, food, or proper shelter—even during heavy rainfall.
Even more damning were allegations of s*xual harassment of female students, verbal abuse of both students and staff, and the unauthorized collection of money from the university community. According to the governing council, these actions were not only unethical but endangered student wellbeing and contravened the very principles the university stands for.
Fanu stated:
“His actions were prejudicial to the security of the university and unbecoming of a public officer.”
Kareem-Ibraheem: Financial Misconduct Unveiled
In the case of Ms. Kareem-Ibraheem, the university found her guilty of gross financial misconduct and dereliction of duty. She was accused of failing to remit over ₦10 million generated from the sale of farm produce and allegedly diverted the funds into her personal bank account.
Such a breach of financial ethics, the Council noted, directly violated LASU’s amended 2017 Conditions of Service and significantly undermined trust in academic leadership.
A Culture of Accountability Begins
These dismissals signal a bold stance by LASU’s leadership to protect students and restore trust in its internal systems. For an institution of its stature, the events that led to these firings are both a moment of shame and a turning point for institutional integrity.
More importantly, the university’s response offers hope to victims and whistleblowers that justice can be served, even when it implicates those in positions of authority.
The Bigger Picture: What Next for Nigerian Tertiary Institutions?
While LASU has taken commendable action, the deeper questions remain: How many other stories of exploitation go unreported in Nigeria’s higher education system? How can universities create safe spaces where students are free from harassment and intimidation?
This case should serve as a wake-up call—not just for LASU, but for academic institutions across the country—to strengthen ethical oversight, empower student voices, and hold staff accountable, no matter their rank or influence.
The dismissal of Professors Abanikanda and Kareem-Ibraheem is a sobering reminder that power must come with responsibility. Academic freedom is no excuse for abuse, and authority must never be a license for exploitation. LASU has taken a hard, necessary step—one that many other institutions may need to follow.
