Professor Tajudeen Olumoko, the Dean of Student Affairs at Lagos State University (LASU), has been relieved of his duties.
This action stems from a recently revealed report exposing a syndicate engaged in the issuance of LASU certificates for amounts ranging between N2 million and N3 million.
The fee appears to be contingent upon the complexity of the course in question.
On Tuesday, the university issued a statement signed by Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, the coordinator of its Centre for Information and Public Relations.
The statement confirmed that the university is actively investigating the allegations surrounding the illicit certificate issuance.
The statement read, “The attention of Lagos State University Management has been drawn to recent reports regarding alleged ‘Certificate Racketeering’ and a ‘sting operation’ in the university.
“We hereby establish that the management of Lagos State University had promptly brought the original allegations to the attention of general law enforcement authorities including the Office of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions. These authorities have not yet concluded their investigations. Lagos State University Management does not take such matters lightly.
“Its own inquiries into the allegations will be concluded before the end of 2023. Consistently with applicable law, the outcome of the inquiry will be published and appropriate action will be taken. For emphasis, there has been no ‘cover-up’ and there will be no ‘cover-up.’”
On Wednesday, a source in the university, who pleaded anonymity, told PUNCH that Olumoko had been removed.
“Yes, it is true, Olumoko has been removed and (Abiodun) Fatai-Abatan has taken over as DSA. This happened yesterday (Tuesday),” the source was quoted as saying.
At the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, lawmakers said they would invite LASU vice-chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commissioner for tertiary education Tolani Akibu among others for questioning over the allegations.
