The Lagos State University (LASU) has taken swift action by removing the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko, following the revelation of a certificate racketeering syndicate within the institution. The decision was prompted by a news report published on Monday by an online news platform, not affiliated with The PUNCH.
The news report exposed the existence of a certificate racketeering syndicate that offered genuine LASU certificates for sale, with prices ranging from N2 million to N3 million, depending on the complexity of the course involved.
In the wake of these allegations, the university has appointed Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, as the acting Dean of Student Affairs.
A university source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the removal of Prof. Olumoko, stating, “Yes, it is true, Olumoko has been removed, and Abatan has taken over as DSA. This happened yesterday, (Tuesday).”
However, the Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations at LASU, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, responded to The PUNCH by saying, “I can’t say if he has been removed or not. I am not yet in the office. So, I don’t know anything yet.”
In related developments, The PUNCH also reported that the Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed its intention to invite the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Senate of the tertiary institution, and other senior staff members. This decision comes as a response to recent allegations of extortion and certificate racketeering leveled against the university, signaling the gravity of the issue.