The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has issued a public alert following reports of individuals fraudulently impersonating the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, in an elaborate online procurement scam.
In a statement released on Monday, June 16, 2025, by Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, Head of the Communication Unit in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the university disclosed that impostors have been contacting unsuspecting individuals through various social media platforms — including LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp — posing as the Vice-Chancellor to initiate fictitious procurement deals.
According to the statement, the fraudsters attempted to lure victims into sham computer and laptop procurement processes, demanding upfront payments and suggesting unethical financial arrangements, including an illegal 60/40 profit-sharing scheme. Communications were reportedly directed to private email addresses rather than UNILAG’s official email domains.
“Let it be unequivocally clear: The University of Lagos conducts all procurement activities through transparent, competitive processes in full compliance with Nigerian Procurement Laws,” the university stated.
“At no time would any legitimate representative of UNILAG, least of all the Vice-Chancellor, request upfront payments, propose kickback arrangements, or conduct official business through personal email accounts or social media platforms.”
The University confirmed that the matter has been escalated to law enforcement agencies and that investigations are underway to track and prosecute the perpetrators behind the impersonation and attempted fraud.
Members of the public are urged to exercise vigilance and verify any suspicious communication through official channels. The university advised that all correspondence regarding official matters should be directed to its Communication Unit via communicationunit@unilag.edu.ng or the Vice-Chancellor’s Office at vcoffice@unilag.edu.ng.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to upholding integrity and transparency, warning that it would not tolerate the misuse of its name or the identity of its officials.
“Together, through vigilance and cooperation, we can protect the integrity of our beloved institution and prevent others from falling victim to these predatory schemes,” the statement concluded.
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