Three LASUSTECH Lecturers Sacked After Sexual Harassment Probe

 

Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)

In a bold and unprecedented move, the management of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has dismissed three lecturers from its academic staff over allegations of sexual harassment. The university announced the dismissals in an official memo titled “Dismissal of Staff Members Due to Sexual Harassment Allegations.”

The affected lecturers are Mr. Nurudeen Hassan of the Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Kareem Arigbabu, and Mr. Olayinka Uthman from the Department of Arts & Design. The university confirmed that the decision followed due process and was approved after a thorough investigation by the Governing Council.

According to the memo, the action was carried out in accordance with Section 5.5.2(v) of the University Senior Staff Conditions of Service. “The Governing Council of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has taken decisive action in response to allegations of sexual harassment involving three staff members. After a thorough investigation and deliberation, the council has approved the dismissal,” the memo stated.

The university further emphasized that the dismissals took immediate effect and were a necessary step in safeguarding the institution’s integrity and academic environment. “This decision, which is effective immediately, is in accordance with Section 5.5.2(v) of the University Senior Staff Conditions of Service,” the memo added.

LASUSTECH reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward sexual misconduct and stressed that the decision was not only disciplinary but also symbolic of the institution’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and secure campus atmosphere. “The university takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously, as they compromise the institution’s image and disrupt the academic environment. The Governing Council’s decision reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful campus community,” it stated.

The development has sparked conversations across the academic sector, especially within the Lagos State university system. Sexual harassment has long been a critical and controversial issue in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, often surrounded by silence and lack of accountability. LASUSTECH’s move to publicly disclose and act on these allegations is being seen as a progressive and courageous effort to challenge the status quo.

Confirming the dismissals, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olanrewaju Kuye, explained that the institution followed all appropriate procedures before reaching its final decision. “It is true, the three of them were dismissed. The Governing Council followed all procedures. We gave them queries before they were dismissed,” he said.

Sources within the institution revealed that the allegations were formally lodged by students, prompting the university to launch an internal investigation. The university convened a disciplinary committee that reviewed witness testimonies, documentary evidence, and responses from the accused before making its recommendations to the council.

In recent years, calls have grown louder for Nigerian universities to address issues of sexual harassment more proactively. Several institutions have faced scrutiny for mishandling such cases or shielding errant staff under bureaucratic loopholes. LASUSTECH’s latest action, therefore, is being regarded by rights groups, students, and education advocates as a significant step forward in creating safer educational environments.

Students and alumni of the university have expressed mixed reactions. While many applauded the transparency and firmness of the university’s response, others called for continued reforms, including clearer reporting channels, mandatory ethics training for staff, and support systems for victims.

Meanwhile, the university administration has pledged to continue its internal reforms and strengthen its policies on professional conduct, harassment prevention, and staff accountability. University officials noted that the incident, though regrettable, offered a timely opportunity to reinforce the institution’s ethical standards and foster a culture of respect on campus.

The affected lecturers have not issued any public statement as of the time of filing this report. It remains to be seen whether they will seek legal redress or appeal the decision through administrative channels. Nonetheless, LASUSTECH’s position remains firm—sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

With this decisive action, LASUSTECH is setting a precedent not only for its peers in Lagos State but for tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The university’s swift and public response to allegations of misconduct serves as a clear signal: maintaining academic integrity and student welfare is non-negotiable.

BY: OLOWOOKERE EMMANUEL