Certificate Racketeering Allegations: LASU removes Student Affairs Dean

By Biola Adebayo On Nov 8, 2023

Certificate Racketeering, Allegations, LASU, Student Affairs Dean — Certificate Racketeering Allegations: LASU removes Student Affairs Dean

The Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has removed the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko.

His removal was in connection with a news report published on Monday by an online news platform.

The story revealed that a certificate racketeering syndicate had genuine Lagos State University certificates that anyone interested could purchase for between N2m and N3m, depending on the technicality of the course involved.

Meanwhile, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, has been appointed as acting Dean of Student Affairs.

A source in the university who does not want to be mentioned confirmed the removal, saying, “Yes, it is true, Olumoko has been removed and Abatan has taken over as DSA. This happened yesterday, (Tuesday).”

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, the institution’s Senate, and other top staff on Tuesday over extortion and certificate racketeering allegations leveled against the school.

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the House, asked on Tuesday that the institution’s concerned authorities be invited so that facts concerning the claim can be found for the sake of the school’s reputation.

“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,” Obasa, an alumnus of the institution, said adding that if anyone is found wanting, such a person should be sanctioned.

Moving the motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Hon. Owolabi Ajani told his colleagues there was a need to invite the Commissioner, the VC and others for the House to unravel the facts behind the allegation.