The tenure of Professor Tajudeen Olumoko, former Dean of Student Affairs at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has been terminated following allegations of involvement in certificate racketeering.
The decision comes in the wake of recent reports exposing a syndicate responsible for issuing authentic Lagos State University certificates to individuals seeking such documents, with fees ranging from N2 million to N3 million, contingent upon the specific course.
In the interim, Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, has been appointed as the acting Dean of Student Affairs.
Investigations revealed that the certificate racketeering syndicate possessed genuine Lagos State University certificates, which were made available for purchase at prices ranging from N2 million to N3 million, depending on the complexity of the course.
Additionally, the Lagos State House of Assembly summoned the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, along with the university’s Senate and other senior staff on Tuesday.
The summons was in response to allegations of extortion and certificate racketeering leveled against the institution.
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the House and an alumnus of the institution, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating that any individuals found guilty should face appropriate sanctions. During the session, he stressed the importance of preserving the university’s reputation, stating, “I agree that the committee should invite those to be invited to establish facts about the allegation, but we must not because of that destroy our institution’s reputation”.
The motion, presented under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ by Hon. Owolabi Ajani, called for the Commissioner, the VC, and other relevant parties to be invited to the House for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations.
