The Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU) has approved the dismissal of two senior academic staff members over allegations of serious misconduct, including inhumane treatment of students, sexual harassment, and financial impropriety.
The decision was reached during the Council’s 143rd Statutory Meeting held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, following the submission and consideration of a disciplinary report by the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee.
The affected staff members are Professor Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikannda, former Dean of the School of Agriculture at LASU’s Epe Campus, and Dr. Khadeejah Olufunke Kareem-Ibraheem, former Lecturer I and Coordinator in the Department of Animal Sciences, also at the Epe Campus.
According to the official statement signed by the University Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Emmanuel A. Fanu, Professor Abanikannda was found guilty of multiple infractions, including subjecting 400-level students to extended hours of hard labour on the farm, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., without adequate food, water, or rest, even during periods of torrential rainfall.
He was also indicted for the sexual harassment of female students, use of profane and threatening language against staff and students, and unauthorized financial collection from members of the university community, acts described by the University as “prejudicial to the security of the institution.”
Similarly, Dr. Kareem-Ibraheem was dismissed for dereliction of duty in her role as departmental coordinator. She allegedly failed to follow the University’s approved curriculum for the Farm Practical Year (FPY), subjecting students to excessive labour. Furthermore, she was accused of diverting proceeds from the sale of farm produce, amounting to over ₦10.6 million, into her personal bank account, instead of remitting the funds to the University’s coffers.
Both dismissals were described as consequences of “serious misconduct” and breaches of the University’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (2017, as amended).
In a statement, LASU’s management emphasized its zero-tolerance policy on professional misconduct and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding academic integrity and protecting the welfare of students and staff.
“The University remains resolute in preserving its core values of responsibility, discipline, and excellence,” the statement concluded.
The disciplinary action takes effect immediately from Thursday, July 3, 2025.
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