The Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU) has approved the immediate dismissal of two senior academic staff members over allegations of sexual harassment, financial impropriety, and inhumane treatment of students.
The affected staff are Professor Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikannada, Dean of the School of Agriculture, Epe Campus, and Dr. Khadeejah Olufunke Kareem-Ibraheem, a Lecturer I and Coordinator in the Department of Animal Sciences at the same campus.
In a statement signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu, the decision was reached at LASU’s 143rd Statutory Governing Council Meeting, held on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
According to Fanu, the dismissals were based on the findings and recommendations of the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee, which investigated the allegations of serious misconduct.
Details of the Misconduct
Prof. Abanikannada was found guilty of subjecting 400-level students of the School of Agriculture to inhumane conditions during their practical training. Students were reportedly kept on the farm from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., without food, water, or rest—even during a heavy downpour that lasted from 4:45 p.m. to after 6:00 p.m. This act was deemed hazardous and prejudicial to student welfare and university security.
In addition, the professor faced multiple accusations of sexual harassment, the use of threats and derogatory language towards students and staff, and unauthorized collection of money—actions that violated the university’s code of conduct for public officers.
Dr. Kareem-Ibraheem, on the other hand, was dismissed for dereliction of duty as the Farm Practical Year (FPY) Coordinator. She allegedly failed to follow approved academic guidelines and procedures, subjecting students to unregulated hard labour. She was also indicted for failing to remit over ₦10.6 million—proceeds from farm produce sales—to the university account, instead depositing the funds into her personal bank account.
Consequences and Institutional Response
The Registrar affirmed that both acts amount to serious misconduct under the LASU Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (2017, as amended). Their dismissals took effect on July 3, 2025.
“LASU remains firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in both academic and administrative processes,” Fanu said.
It is worth noting that Prof. Abanikannada had previously faced disciplinary action in 2016 when he was demoted to Senior Lecturer for similar misconduct, though he was later reinstated by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
This latest decision signals LASU’s uncompromising stance on staff conduct and its dedication to creating a safe and accountable academic environment.
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