LASU Governing Council Dismisses Two Lecturers For Gross Misconduct.
Lagos State University (LASU) has taken decisive action by dismissing two senior lecturers following allegations of serious misconduct. The university’s Governing Council, during its 143rd Statutory Meeting on 3rd July 2025, approved the termination of Professor Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikannada and Dr Khadeejah Olufunke Kareem-Ibraheem, citing breaches of the institution’s code of conduct.
Professor Abanikannada, former Dean of the School of Agriculture at LASU’s Epe Campus, was found guilty of subjecting 400-level students to inhumane treatment during practical training sessions. Reports indicate that students were forced to work on the university farm from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. without breaks, food, or water, even in harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall. Additionally, he faced accusations of sexual harassment, emotional and physical abuse of students and staff, and unauthorised collection of funds. The allegations gained traction after a viral video surfaced, showing students enduring degrading conditions under his supervision, prompting widespread outrage from students and advocacy groups.
Dr Kareem-Ibraheem, Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences at the same campus, was dismissed for dereliction of duty and financial impropriety. She was found to have failed to adhere to university guidelines, procedures, and curriculum for the Farm Practical Year (FPY), exposing students to excessive labour. Furthermore, she neglected to remit over ₦10.6 million in proceeds from the sale of farm produce to the university, instead keeping the funds in her personal bank account, in violation of institutional regulations.
The decision followed a six-week investigation by the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee, sparked by a petition from Taofeek Adekunle of the Take It Back Movement. The committee’s findings confirmed that both lecturers’ actions constituted “serious misconduct” under LASU’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (2017, as amended). The dismissals, effective immediately from 3rd July 2025, were announced in a statement by LASU Registrar, Emmanuel Fanu, who emphasised the university’s commitment to upholding academic and administrative integrity.
The move has been welcomed by students and civil society groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students, who had long called for action against Professor Abanikanda due to his alleged pattern of abuse spanning decades. LASU’s management reiterated its dedication to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff, ensuring that such violations will not be tolerated.
