Shocking Scandal: LASU Mauls Down Senior Lecturers Over Misconduct
LASU has sensationally sacked two senior lecturers, exposing alarming misconduct involving sexual harassment and financial impropriety.
In a decisive stride for moral integrity, Lagos State University (LASU) has dismissed two senior academic staff on the grounds of sexual harassment and financial impropriety. This drastic action stems from substantial allegations presented by Taofeek Adekunle, a member of the advocacy group Take It Back Movement, signaling the institution’s firm stance against unethical behavior.
A Disturbing Unveiling
During the 143rd Statutory Governing Council meeting, the sordid details unfolded. Prof. Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikanda, Dean of the Epe Campus, found himself at the focal point of this scandal. Accusations revealed layers of misconduct including the cruel imposition of strenuous conditions on final-year students during their fieldwork. Students were reportedly kept at the department’s farm from dawn till late evening, enduring severe weather without sustenance.
“It was a grave breach of our conduct regulations,” stated Emmanuel Fanu, LASU’s Registrar, highlighting the professor’s further violations, which ranged from verbal abuse to the unauthorized solicitation of money within the university community.
A Culture of Dread and Exploitation
Prof. Abanikanda’s unethical behavior extended beyond the physical, as allegations of sexual harassment towards female students surfaced, painting a picture of a toxic, intimidating environment. Furthermore, inappropriate derogatory utterances and coercive language against both students and staff underscored a misuse of power.
Financial Misconduct and Failure of Duty
Accompanying this disgrace was Khadeejat Kareem-Ibraheem, Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences. Her dismissal reflected her blatant disregard for university procedures. Kareem-Ibraheem was accused of embezzling over N10 million, channeling institutional funds into personal accounts, an act inconsistent with any standard of professionalism.
Upholding Standards, Protecting Students
This notable scandal underscores an unwavering commitment by LASU to uphold its values, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards actions that endanger the welfare and dignity of its community. As stated in Daily Post Nigeria, both cases were rooted in serious violations of the 2017 Conditions of Service, compromising the university’s ethical fiber.
The dismissal of these lecturers marks a cautionary tale for educational institutions, reinforcing the crucial role of ethics and accountability in academia. Students and staff alike can find solace as LASU continues to foster an environment of trust and respect.
