The National Industrial Court in Lagos has ruled in favor of Mr. Bamisaye Olutola, a former lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), ordering the institution to reinstate him with full entitlements. Olutola’s employment was terminated on July 6, 2021, over allegations of sexual harassment.
In a judgment delivered on July 21, 2025, Justice Ikechi Nweneka held that Olutola’s appointment as Lecturer II was still valid and subsisting, contrary to the University’s claim. The court declared that the University acted unlawfully in terminating Olutola’s employment and described the indefinite suspension imposed on him as a violation of due process.
The court ruled that Olutola’s employment stood confirmed by virtue of his uninterrupted service, faulting the University’s failure to comply with statutory disciplinary procedures. Consequently, the court ordered Olutola’s immediate reinstatement without loss of seniority, promotion, or emoluments.
Key Court Orders:
– UNILAG to pay Olutola’s full salary and allowances from August 2021 till date
– UNILAG to continue paying Olutola’s salary henceforth as a full staff member
– Perpetual injunction restraining UNILAG from unlawfully interfering with Olutola’s employment
– UNILAG to pay Olutola N750,000 as cost of the suit
– Judgment sums to accrue interest at 10% per annum from August 15, 2024, until full payment is made
The court directed UNILAG to comply with the judgment within 30 days.