Lagos State University has taken decisive action against Professor Olatunji Abanikanda, dismissing him as Dean of the School of Agriculture at its Epe Campus. This decision follows allegations of serious misconduct, including inhumane treatment of students and embezzlement of university funds.
The controversy surrounding Abanikanda began when students shared videos and audio recordings of him subjecting them to harsh conditions on the school farm. They were allegedly forced to live in makeshift shelters for over a month, denied access to hostels, and subjected to intense manual labor under threat of failure. The situation escalated when Abanikanda, who claimed to be a Sango worshipper, threatened students with spiritual retribution after the matter became public.
Following sustained advocacy and intervention by the Take It Back Movement, LASU’s management suspended Abanikanda and appointed Dr. Oladele Ojuromi as the new Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. Students welcomed the change, expressing joy and offering prayers for the new dean’s success.
A fact-finding committee was constituted to investigate the allegations, and its report noted that Abanikanda’s actions were unbecoming of a public officer and contravened the university’s conditions of service. The committee’s findings led to Abanikanda’s dismissal, effective July 3, 2025.
In addition to Abanikanda’s dismissal, another lecturer, Khadeejah Kareem-Ibraheem, was also dismissed for financial misconduct and dereliction of duty. The university’s management emphasized its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of students, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
