The Lagos State University (LASU) Governing Council has approved the dismissal of Professor Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikannada, Dean of the School of Agriculture, Epe Campus, and Dr. Khadeejah Olufunke Kareem-Ibraheem, Lecturer I and Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences. The decision was made at the 143rd Statutory Meeting of the Council held on July 3, 2025.
Allegations Against Professor Abanikannada
Professor Abanikannada was found guilty of multiple allegations, including:
– Subjecting 400-level students to inhumane treatment by forcing them to work on the farm from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. without breaks, food, or water, even during torrential rainfall.
– Sexual harassment of female students.
– Emotional and physical abuse of staff and students through threats, curses, and derogatory utterances.
– Unauthorized collection of money from staff and students.
Allegations Against Dr. Kareem-Ibraheem
Dr. Kareem-Ibraheem was found guilty of:
– Dereliction of duty as Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences, exposing students to hard labor on the farm.
– Failure to remit over ₦10.6 million from the sale of farm produce to the university, instead keeping the funds in her personal bank account.
Dismissal and Next Steps
Both dismissals take effect from July 3, 2025. The University Management has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic and administrative integrity.
The dismissed academics have been held accountable for their actions, and the university’s stance on misconduct has been reinforced.