THE Lagos State University (LASU) has dismissed two lectures over allegations of sexual harassment, financial misconduct, and inhumane treatment of students.
The university registrar and secretary to the council, Emmanuel Fanu, announced the dismissal of a professor and former Dean of the School of Agriculture, Olatunji Abanikanda, and a lecturer, Khadeejah Ibrahim, effective on July 3, according to an official statement.
Fanu said that the decision was reached during the university governing council’s 143rd statutory meeting held on 3 July, after reviewing a report presented by the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee.
Oga Lecturer reports that the disciplinary measures were taken after weeks of mounting pressure from student groups and civil society organizations.
The LASU student union had condemned Mr Abanikanda’s alleged abuses and demanded action from the university.
In a separate statement signed by its president, Adebobola Ayomide, the union stated that it had engaged directly with the affected students and subsequently escalated the issue to the university management.
“No student of this university shall be subjected to intimidation, victimisation, or inhumane treatment. This is a strict warning to all who believe they can trample on the rights of students and walk free. The union will resist such with all democratic and legitimate force,” the union stated.
It further stated that it would not stand by while any staff member subjects students to degrading treatment under the guise of ego or power play.
In the registrar statement, Abanikanda was found guilty of multiple offences, including sexual harassment of female students, verbal abuse, threats, use of profane language, derogatory utterances and unauthorised financial collections from students and staff.
Abanikanda now joins the list of over 50 lecturers in Nigerian public tertiary institutions who have been indicted for sexual misconduct between April 2021 and April 2025.
Abanikanda was also found wanting for exposing 400-level agriculture students to harsh and unsafe working conditions.
The students were reportedly made to remain on the farm from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. without access to food or water, including during heavy rain that lasted between 4:45 p.m. to after 6:00 p.m.
The registrar added that Ibrahim was found guilty of dereliction of duty and the unauthorized collection of over N10.6 million in cash from students, in violation of the university’s regulations.
“These acts, tantamount to ‘Serious Misconduct’, are in contravention of the University’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (2017, as amended),” Fanu said.
While announcing the dismissals, LASU management reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of both academic and administrative standards.
Oga Lecturer reports that the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) recently dismissed three lecturers over sexual harassment.
The dismissed three lecturers were Nurudeen Hassan from Mass Communication, Kareem Arigbabu and Olayinka Uthman from the Arts and Design department.
