The Lagos State University (LASU) has dismissed two academic staff members—Professor Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikanda and Dr. Khadeejah Olufunke Kareem-Ibraheem—after they were found guilty of serious misconduct. Their dismissal was approved by the university’s Governing Council during its 143rd statutory meeting held on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Professor Abanikanda, who was until recently the Dean of the School of Agriculture at LASU’s Epe campus, was found guilty of multiple violations, including subjecting 400-level students to degrading and inhumane treatment during their Farm Practical Year. Investigations revealed that the students were kept on the farm from as early as 6:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. without adequate breaks, food, or water, even during heavy rainfall that lasted from 4:45 p.m. to after 6:00 p.m. The university’s disciplinary panel concluded that this conduct posed a threat to student safety and constituted a gross breach of the institution’s duty of care.
The report of the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee also established that Professor Abanikanda was involved in sexual harassment of female students. In addition to this, he was found to have subjected both students and staff to emotional and psychological trauma through the use of threats, curses, and vulgar language—behaviour the university described as unbecoming of a public officer. He was also indicted for unauthorized collection of money from students and staff in violation of established financial protocols.
Dr. Khadeejah Kareem-Ibraheem, a Lecturer I and Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences, also at the Epe campus, was dismissed over charges of dereliction of duty and financial misconduct. According to the council’s findings, she failed to adhere to the university’s approved guidelines and curriculum during the Farm Practical Year, thereby exposing students to strenuous labour beyond prescribed limits. More significantly, she was accused of failing to remit proceeds from the sale of farm produce, amounting to over ₦10.6 million, to the university’s account. Instead, she reportedly deposited the funds into her personal bank account, an act that clearly contravenes LASU’s financial regulations.
The Governing Council, after reviewing the committee’s report, ruled that the actions of both academics constituted serious misconduct under the university’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (2017, as amended). Their dismissal takes immediate effect from July 3, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Emmanuel A. Fanu, the university emphasized that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics. It added that the institution would not tolerate any breach of its core values, particularly in matters affecting the welfare of students and the financial accountability of its staff.
LASU reaffirmed that the disciplinary process was thorough, fair, and in accordance with the university’s statutes.