Scandal at LASU: Two Senior Lecturers Fired over Sex and Fraud Allegations

 

Lagos State University (LASU) has dismissed two senior lecturers, Prof. Olatunji Abanikanda and Khadeejat Kareem-Ibraheem, following confirmed allegations of sexual harassment, financial misconduct, and professional misconduct.

Dismissal of LASU Lecturers Over Misconduct

The dismissals were approved during the university’s 143rd Statutory Governing Council meeting and stemmed from a formal petition filed by Taofeek Adekunle of the “Take It Back Movement.” The complaint detailed inappropriate conduct involving students and improper financial practices.

Individuals Affected:

■ Prof. Olatunji T. F. Abanikanda: Formerly Dean of the Epe Campus and faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Science.

■ Khadeejat Kareem-Ibraheem: Formerly Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture.

According to LASU Registrar Emmanuel Fanu, both individuals were found guilty of breaching the university’s code of conduct after a six-week investigation.

Details of Infractions

Prof. Abanikanda’s Infractions:

■ Forced final-year students to work from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. without rest, food, or shelter, even during heavy rain.

■ Sexually harassed female students.

■ Verbally abused students and colleagues using threats and offensive language.

■ Illegally collected money from staff and students.

Khadeejat Kareem-Ibraheem’s Misconduct:

■ Failed to carry out her duties responsibly.

■ Withheld over ₦10 million from farm produce sales, depositing the funds into her personal account instead of the university’s.

The university concluded that both individuals violated the 2017 Conditions of Service (as amended), thereby compromising LASU’s standards and institutional integrity.