LASU Sacks Dean Student Affairs Dean Over Alleged Certificate Racketeering

The Lagos State University (LASU) has taken swift action in response to allegations of certificate racketeering by reportedly sacking the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko.  These allegations surfaced following a report on Monday that exposed a syndicate selling genuine LASU certificates for prices ranging between N2 million and N3 million. In light of the serious allegations, the university has appointed Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, as the acting Dean of Student Affairs. The removal of Prof. Olumoko was confirmed by a source within the university.  The source stated, “Yes, it is true, Olumoko has been removed, and Abatan has taken over as DSA. This happened yesterday (Tuesday).” However, the university’s Coordinator for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, has expressed uncertainty regarding the removal, stating, “I can’t say if he has been removed or not. I am not yet in the office. So, I don’t know anything yet.” The Lagos State House of Assembly, in response to these allegations, announced its intention to invite the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Senate of the tertiary institution, and other top staff for a thorough investigation into the allegations of extortion and certificate racketeering within the school.

AAU suspends academic activities indefinitely

The Management of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo, has announced the indefinite suspension of academic activities with immediate effect. This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Otunba Mike Aladenika, and made available to the on Tuesday in Benin. Aladenika said the suspension of activities was announced in a memo signed by the school’s Acting Registrar, Mr Ambrose Odiase. “The suspension of academic activities became necessary following an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate in Ekpoma on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students running into days.  “In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities. “To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence within the next 24 hours. “This is an indication that no student should be seen in or around the halls of residence of the University by 3.00 pm on Tuesday,” the statement said. Aladenika further said that the 40th Matriculation Ceremony of the university scheduled to be held on Tuesday, had also been put on hold indefinitely. Students of the university have been protesting against an alleged increase in school fees of returning students for about three days, thereby disrupting academic activities. The protest also led to the dissolution of the Students Union Government while the school management had severally denied increase in the tuition fees of returning students.