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Tag: Lagos State University

  • ASUU demands Panel of Inquiry into LASU crisis

    ASUU demands Panel of Inquiry into LASU crisis

    The Lagos Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Wednesday demanded the setting up of an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis at the Lagos State University, Ojo and the attendant sacking of seven lecturers among others.

    The Lagos Zone of ASUU comprising of Federal and State universities in Lagos and Ogun, also called on the Kogi State Government to reverse its decision regarding the sacking of over 150 academic staff of the Kogi State University, Ayungba and re – instate the affected lecturers.

    Addressing journalists at the ASUU office in Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB) Abeokuta, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Olusiji Sowande, described the treatment mete out to their colleagues in Lagos and Kogi State Universities as acts of “impunity and crude political onslaught” on the union.

    Olusiji added that they were calculated to “intimidate, harass and decimate” lecturers in both institutions.

    According to him, the zone was mandated by the national body of the union to look into the crises at LASU and KSU and give recommendations.

    The Zonal Coordinator briefed journalists in company of other ASUU executives –  Deji Agboola of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Dr John Fayemi of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, and Dr. Dele Ashiru of University of Lagos.

    Others are; Dr Akinloye Oyewumi of Lagos State University and Dr Adebayo Oni of FUNAAB.

    He alleged that members of the union in LASU were being hounded by the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, for demanding constitution of a functional budget monitoring committee.

    He also said members had asked for evidence of proper utilisation of the N1.3bn NEEDs Assessment Revitalisation fund released to the institution in 2013.

    Sowande explained that their colleagues incurred the wrath of the management of LASU for demanding the implementation of Earned Academic Allowances components of the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement.

    He said the union had written a letter to the visitor to the institution, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, over the issue.

    The Union also expressed its displeasure over the recent increment of acceptance fee from N10,000 to N20,000 by the Institution .

    He said:  “ASUU, Lagos zone joins the Education Right Campaign in calling for an independent panel of inquiry on the unfolding crisis in LASU with a view to resolving it before the crisis becomes a monster that will be difficult to curtail.

    “We call on governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to call some of his functionaries to order as there are evidences that they are working  in tandem with Vice  Chancellor of LASU  and some members of the governing council to fuel the crisis in LASU

    “Our union should not be held responsible for any eventual crisis in LASU.

    “The real motive of the LASU’s management for hounding our members is to silence them and we are going to resist it.

    “We want an independent panel of inquiry to be set up by the visitor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. If this is not done, the problem will keep reoccurring.

    “A case in point is that of the treasurer of LASU branch, Dr. Oluwakemi Aboderin-Sonibare was queried for demanding that her promotion should be correctly dated”.

    On Kogi Varsity crisis, Sowande condemned the sacking of 150 members of academic staff of the University, describing it as impunity and high-handedness by the state governor, Yahaya Bello.

    He urged the state government to reverse the decision on the sacking of the 150 academic staff of the Kogi State University.

  • ASUU condemns sack in LASU, KSU

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano zone has condemned the sack of its members at the Kogi State University (KSU) and Lagos State University (LASU), describing it as unconstitutional.

    In a statement on Monday, Zonal Coordinator, Prof Mohammad Lawan, called for their immediate re-instatement for being unjustly sacked.

    The union accused LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof Olarenwaju Fagbohun, of acting with impunity by purportedly sacking the ASUU-LASU Chairman, Dr Isaac Akinloye Oyewumi and the Vice Chairman, Dr Adebowale Adeyemi Suenu over the allegation  of demanding money via an unnamed agent to process students’ result in 2011.

    The union also condemned the purported proscription of ASUU-Kogi State University (KSU) chapter by Governor Yahaya Bello as well as the forceful ejection and ban of sacked ASUU members from the campus.

    The union lamented that despite peace overtures by ASUU, the Visitors and management of the two universities continued to act with impunity, which is against the constitutional provisions of the country, and all extant  national and international labour laws.

    The ASUU Kano Zone is made up of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; Bayero University Kano (BUK); Kaduna State University (KASU); Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil; Federal University, Dutse and Maitama Sule University, Kano.

  • 29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    The Nigerian Law School on Tuesday said 29 out of the 4,294 candidates called to the Nigerian Bar bagged First Class after the August 2017 bar examinations.

    The Director-General of the school, Mr Olanrewaju Onadeku (SAN) disclosed this at the Call-to-Bar ceremony in Abuja.

    Onadeku said the students were those successful at the August 2017 Bar final examinations and others from previous examinations as conducted by the school under the supervision of the Council of Legal Education.

    He said the 29 students were produced by the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Uyo, Obafemi Awolowo University, Babcock University, University of Ibadan and Osun State University.

    According to him, others are from University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, Ambrose Alli University, Afe Babalola University, Adekunle Ajasin University and Igbinedion University.

    “I particularly commend the 29 students; theirs is the highest number ever attained.

    “They have worked hard to merit their grades after a very thorough assessment and have done the Nigerian Law school and their families proud.”

    Onadeku disclosed that 72 per cent success was achieved after the August examination as 211 obtained the second class upper grade, 1,046 made second class lower division and 3, 000 got the pass grade.

    He said that there had been a sustained level of focus and diligence among the students whom he noted had demonstrated a commendable sense of maturity and drive,  adding that some were involved in various forms of examination malpractices.

    The Director-General, while congratulating the newly called to lawyers, also urged them to make the best of the legal profession.

    “Since it is your freewill to belong to the noble profession of law, you must ensure strict adherence to its norms and ethics.

    “As you are aware, globalisation has impacted on the legal profession with the challenge of bench marking on minimum international best practices.

    “You must ensure you exceed the minimum in all that you do. ”

    Onadeku also noted that the successful students had completed the vocational training at the school as prescribed by the Legal Education Act.

    According to him, they have also met all other conditions set by the Council, while also exhibiting good manners and decorum during their training.

    “They have also been groomed in the best ethics and ethos of our noble profession.

    Read also: Law school gets luxury hostel

    “The screening committee of your distinguished body has carefully perused the records of each of the aspirants and have found them worthy to be presented for Call to the Nigerian Bar.

    “I attest that they are fit and proper persons for Call and admissions to the Nigerian Bar,” he said.

    In his address, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and also Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, charged the candidates to practice the profession with diligence and sense of responsibility.

    He charged them to promote the course of justice and rule of law, adding that their level of proficiency was of immense significance to the efficiency of the justice system of the country.

    “I urge you to acquaint yourselves with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and all other relevant laws as far as administering justice is concerned.

    “You must not handle a matter without adequate preparation, neither should you handle a matter, which you know or ought to know that you not competent enough to handle.

    “It is advisable to consult your seniors or colleagues in areas you know you are not well groomed, ” he said.

    Onnoghen said that the Body of Benchers, whose role also includes disciplinary committee, would not hesitate to bring to order any erring practitioner whose conduct might negate the standards of the profession.

     The Nigerian Law School has to date graduated 117, 385 lawyers including all the judges of the superior courts of the country and almost all the legal practitioners.

    The event was attended by past and present Body of Benchers, Attorney-General of the Federation, past Directors-General of the school.

    Others are members of the National Assembly, some ministers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the Judiciary sector.

    NAN

  • Travails of a provost

    Travails of a provost

    The Lagos State University (LASU) has suspended the Provost of its College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Prof Babatunde Solagberu, for three months, pending the investigation into allegations against him.  His colleageues say he may have brought it on himself, reports ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA.

    In the next three months, Prof Babatunde Solagberu may have to defend himself against allegations of misconducts that resulted in his suspension from office as Provost of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) with effect from last Thursday.

    The Lagos State University (LASU) in its  December 4 bulletin barred Solagberu from carrying out the functions of Provost or as member of staff of LASUCOM during the suspension.  He cannot also step on the premises except if permitted by the Registrar.

    The Deputy Provost, Prof Anthonia Ogbera, is to act as provost until Solagberu’s case is decided.

    Solagberu’s alleged’disrespect’ for authority may have set him on collision course with some of his colleagues as well as the university authority.

    “Solagberu acts as if he knows it all,” said a source.

    “He (Solagberu) was running the college as if it was autonomous without recourse to the vice chancellor (VC). All entreaties to make him change his mind never yielded fruits.”

    “This is a man who writes and talks too much and recklessly too and implicates himself in the process. He only finds faults in others but sees himself as above board. Though young, he talks with pride and even insults professors far older than him.”

    Sources said following allegations of misconduct the management requested to look into LASUCOM’s books but Solagberu rebuffed the move.

    Things got to a head when Solagberu reportedly shunned the VC, Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun’s directive that the college be audited.  Solagberu allegedly wrote back to the management, saying LASUCOM was autonomous, adding that the VC lacked such powers.

    The audit was eventually carried out.

    Before that, Solagberu had disallowed LASU from what it called “interfering in LASUCOM’s affairs.”

    A member of staff, who does not want to be named, said the issue involved a lecturer Solagberu tried to discipline for alleged disrespect and poor work ethics.  The university management wrote to stop the investigation but Solagberu allegedly replied that it had no right whatsoever to intervene.

    The source said: “The woman in question is one of our young but most brilliant lecturers in LASUCOM.

    “When this woman realised that the committee comprised some of the provost’s cronies and therefore she might not get justice, she cried out and that was how LASU management got wind of the matter and directed the panel investigating to stop work and transfer the matter to the management. But Solagberu stated categorically that management legally had no mandate to direct the stoppage. The panel was then allowed to conclude the investigation before sending the report to the management.”

    On Solagberu’s alleged arrogance, another source said: “There was a time he came to the council meeting and announced before everybody that he wanted to report his boss (VC) to the Council chairman.

    “The chairman of council then asked him if he had intimated the VC prior to the meeting and he said no. The chairman then put his foot down that Solagberu could not raise such issues on the floor of the Council. That was where the whole matter ended.”

    Some non-teaching staff in LASUCOM said they saw their boss’ ordeal coming.

    The sources noted that Solagberu was only behaving like some of his predecessors who ran the institution without recourse to the VC who by the edict setting up LASU, should superintend everything.

    When asked to comment on the matter, the university’s Acting Public Relations Office, Mr Adekoya Martin, said the bulletin containing the interdiction had not yet been “officially approved” by management.

    He said allegations in the public domain, were still speculations.

    While not denying the information in the bulletin, Adekoya said the university management was already investigating to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the allegations.

    “The information (on the bulletin) was actually from the university; but it has not yet been approved before it got into the public domain.

    “We suspected that an insider who saw the bulletin actually leaked it to the media.

    “As at now, whatever anybody is saying about the allegations are mere speculations. The university has already commenced investigation on the matter, and shall make its decision open at the appropriate time.”

    The Governing Council Chairman, Prof Adebayo Ninalowo, told The Nation on phone he would not comment on the matter.

    “Everything in respect of this issue, call the Information Unit,” he said.

    Efforts to reach Solagberu proved abortive as his phone  was switched off.

     

  • Don cautions against disruptive reportage of issues

    Former Dean at the School of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Lai Osho has urged media organisations in the country to desist from giving voice to disruptive issues. He advised them to rather use their platforms to help citizens build consensus.

    Osho gave the advice at a three-day retreat organised by the Lagos State Government for Correspondents covering activities at the Governor’s Office, held at the Golden Tulip Hotels, FESTAC Town Lagos State.

    Prof. Osho, who said as development partners, the media has the responsibility to report good governance, added that journalists and their employers should desist from what he termed “dangerous discusses” in the bid to increase ratings, draw traffic to their websites or sell newspapers.

    “The media must provide a space for consensus building. There is too much confrontation, opposition and threatening messages. You’ll find out that the way some of our so-called leaders present issues,  tend to antagonise other people. I don’t think media organisations should lend their spaces to such dangerous discusses.

    “They must try to look at people with moderate views that can build this country, while, as much as possible, shun this counterkerous discusses that we have in the country,” Osho said.

    On the issue of objectivity which is one of the ethics of the profession, the don, who admitted that it is sometimes difficult to achieve because of pecuniary factors, however, appealed to reporters to always ensure balance.

    While canvassing better working conditions for journalists in the country, Prof. Osho decried the commercialisation of news.

    There are organisations now that have turned their reporters to marketing officers. That is against the ethics of journalism. News is the heart of any media organisation. If you have good news, advertisers will come,” he said.

    In his welcome address, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr. Habib Aruna said the three-day refresher course was organised because of the dynamism of reporting events at the State House and the need to furnish correspondents covering the beat with information that could enhance their reportage.

    He said Governor Ambode believes in the growth and development of the Nigeria media, hence did not hesitate to approve the retreat for the correspondents covering his office, not only to enhance their skills, but also to do so in a more relaxed and serene atmosphere.

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde said the training was meant to upgrade the skills of correspondents covering activities of government for better performance.

    He said journalists covering the Government House must display in-depth knowledge of their beat and must be a step ahead of others in reporting the day-to-day activities of government.

    The interactive training session spanned across various topics including the roles of correspondents in achieving good governance, effective social media practices, techniques to overcome writers’ block, time management and health talk, among others.

    The event was rounded off with a dinner and gala night that afforded participants to unwind and network.

  • LASU loses dean

    The Dean Faculty of Science, Lagos State University (LASU) Prof Oluwole Omikorede,  is dead.

    Omikorede died at the Igando General Hospital in the  evening of Wednesday last week after a sudden illness.

    A statement signed by Mr Ademola Adekoya, Ag. Coordinator, Centre for Information Press and Public Relations noted that Omikorede was reported to have been lively throughout the day “attending to his official assignments and being involved in various meetings in the university  before his sudden death’’.

    The university management described his death as “very shocking” and “a monumental loss to the university community.”

     

  • Don seeks review of PG in Communication

    A professor of Public Relations and Advertising, Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo  Rotimi Williams Olatunji, has urged that National Universities Commission (NUC)  to allow more people across diverse disciplines to take up post graduate programmes in Communication.

    He said the discipline had gone beyond the old Department of Mass Communication which serves as home for communication studies across tertiary institutions nationwide.

    Olatunji said many of those who call the shots in journalism, Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communication today did not study journalism, but yet were able to excel in the field even more than trained journalists.

    Olatunji who is of LASU School of Communications, delivered his inaugural lecture titled: “Advertising, advertisement and the rest of us” at the university premises

    “Communication has its fibrous roots in human communication, mass communication, writing, the social sciences, including marketing, psychology, sociology and anthropology, philosophy, law and pure science. We can no longer afford to be narrow in our admission criteria to recruit postgraduate students into communication disciplines particularly advertising and public relations. The global trend is to recruit candidates of diversified academic backgrounds into postgraduate programmes and allied communication disciplines. We must open up the space here in Nigeria, with LASU School of Communication setting the pace for others to follow,” Olatunji said.

    Speaking on his research, Olatunji said the use of negative sex appeal by agencies and advertising practitioners, does not inspire brand loyalty.

    Olatunji’s said he found that negative sex appeal puts off potential buyers and creates apathy in the brand. Therefore, he suggested that virtues such as loveliness, beauty, attractiveness, fun, and the like should be explored as they have a very strong appeal.

    He said:”The research I embarked upon shows that the use of negative sex appeals in advertisement is generally considered demeaning, amoral, and sometimes exaggerated and do not necessarily make advertising interesting or appealing. Respondents agreed that attractive female models and positive use of sex appeals in advertising brings benefits to brands. On the other hand, negative uses of sexual images in advertisement do not necessarily guarantees brand loyalty; do not readily sell the advertised brand, and do not significantly and positively influence purchase decision. Therefore, negative sex appeal do not build brand loyalty.”

     

  • Strike: Non-teaching staff resume work in LASU

    Strike: Non-teaching staff resume work in LASU

    Non-academic activities commenced at the Lagos State University (LASU) on Monday following the suspension of à nationwide strike embarked on by Non-Academic Staff of Union members.

    The nationwide strike lasted for 10 days as it was suspended on Sept. 21.

    Check by a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that Health Centre, Certificate unit, Postgraduate school and Registry, which were closed, have been re-opened.

    NAN reports that Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Non-Teaching Staff in Nigeria Universities, had on Sept. 11, embarked on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike.

    The unions include National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU).

    The unions demanded payment of earned allowances to members, a review of the governance system in universities and improved funding in line with UNESCO recommendations.

    Provision of infrastructure in universities, payment of salary shortfall being owed members and implementation of the judgment of National Industrial Court on university staff schools, among others.

    Mr Saheed Oseni, the Chairman of SSANU in LASU, told NAN that all the non-teaching staff in the institution had resumed work, as directed by the National body and administrative work had commenced.

    Oseni said the union complied with the strike directive comprehensively as directed by the national body while the strike lasted.

    According to him, all the offices under lock during the strike have been re-opened and officers in charge are all on seat.

    He, however, urged the Federal Government to fulfill its agreement with the unions as promised as and when due to prevent further strikes by any of the unions.

  • DJ TURBO D: How I became Korede Bello’s official DJ

    DJ TURBO D: How I became Korede Bello’s official DJ

    Having studied Biochemistry at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Betiku Oluwatobi Austin aka DJ Turbo D, however found his calling as a Dj. Turbo D, who is at present a deejay at Eko FM, Lagos, also doubles as Korede Bello’s official DJ. In this interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, he speaks about his relationship with Mavins Records artiste, Korede Bello, differences between playing in a radio station, among other issues. Excerpts:

    HOW did you start deejaying?

    It started from dancing, I used to dance in a group called ‘Assigned.’ That was in 2002. From there, it all came in when we had a party, I was the social director. I had to bring Dj for every event. Along the line, I was like, ‘ahh  this dee jay was going on and on so I decided to try it.’ In 2003, I started deejaying in my area, Agege, Abulegba, organising shows. From there, I was opportune to be on shows and radio.

    How has it been since then?

    It’s been great and we’ve been pushing it. We’re trying, playing in various club, although (for) shows, it has not been easy. The challenges, the work is really tasking. You know you have to think of how to deliver at the party, play at a gig, make people dance that’s the most difficult task to control your crowd.

    What are the similarities of being a radio deejay and club deejay?

    For me, I have been in radio all my life, since have started  working  as a radio deejay. I’ve had feel of club as well as I have played in street carnivals. I think the only difference is what we play on radio. We have to be careful with NBC songs. Not all songs go on air. We have to sync with program that goes on air, same thing goes to street. That’s the differences. We also turn up on radio too, but not all songs can be played on radio.

    Talking about NBC, do you think they are working effectively?

    Sorry to say but it’s like they are sleeping ooo. I don’t know, probably there is a protocol before the board decides. Maybe it takes them time before they talk about it. They have to schedule meetings to talk about the song but with that time alone, I’m sorry to say that song is already going. They are trying to put the music industry together for people to sing good music but all these our artistes these days are all trying to find hits. So, I don’t blame anybody singing anything. I don’t blame NBC, I don’t blame the artiste. My own is that everybody should just do good music.

    As a deejay, have you had upcoming artistes coming to you for promo?

    I’ve had artists come to me to play their music. Now, you need a lot of capital to do your music. I supported a lot of them. Some of them don’t come back to appreciate. We have heard some of them go up, they are now down and now trying to come back.

    From 2007 to 2017 it’s been ten years. What has been your staying power?

    I’m still learning and upcoming, I won’t say I’m prefect. It’s been great, thanks to God because it’s not easy trying to merge deejaying, radio and school. Back then, I would leave school from LASU to Eko FM. It was really tasking beause I was studying a great course.

    What plans do you have for this profession?

    We are planning on doing something about it. Planning on going international to see how wide it is. I don’t believe what we are doing now in Nigeria is the best. I know there are still things we can bring down here. I’m trying to do one or two courses regarding music production and presentation.

    So as a deejay, we know you are very busy from radio. How have you been able to shuttle with your busy schedule and all?

    It got busy when I started working with Korede Bello. We would have to go for show, moving around state to state, outside Nigeria, trying to put one or two things together. Sometimes, I don’t even go to work, had to give excuse. It’s been fun all the way. Working with him has been great and we still strong. I’m also dropping my song soon with him.

    How did you meet Korede Bello?

    I got a call that from a friend that a record label wanted to recruit DJs and that I should come around. When I got there, I found out it was Mavin records. I was like ‘wow.’ That was the first time I met don jazzy. It was fun. Then I was assigned to Korede Bello as his DJ. Since then we have been good. He is my guy!

    That makes you a Mavin family?

    Yes.

    How would you describe Mavin? The music house is yet to deliver a hit song like in previous years…

    There are hit songs now, but I can’t say anything about them, But I can talk about Korede Bello and Tiwa savage. They have been bringing out singles. It’s been good.

    As Korede Bello’s official Dj, do you take part in his music production or do you advice on what songs to do?

    We do, working also with Caspertament his manager. We sit down and discuss on how we should do it.

    How has it been working with him?

    He is very humble, we blend together. Age is just a number. I don’t see it as any biggie, working with him is good.

    How long have you been dee jaying for Korede Bello?

    From 2013. Now, it’s been four years.

    And you have no single with him?

    We are working on something. We have recorded three songs, one produced by Altims, which shall be dropping soon. And it’s ready but still trying to figure out what the title will be. When it all started, I wanted to give him time as well to pick up. I didn’t want to choke him with recording because probably he dropped singles. In the industry, you need to plan. If I had dropped one then, I don’t think it would have been the right time then. I think now is the right time and I’m ready to face that music. Let me see how it feels like to drop a single.

    Are you single?

    Yes, I’m single (Laughs)

    What’s you type of woman?

    A God-fearing woman, dark and humble.

    As a dee jay, which are your top five songs you play in shows?

    In no particular order, I will say Wande Coal (Iskaba), Small Doctor (Penalty), Korede Bello (Godwin), 9ice (Living Things). For me, every song depends on how you mix them.

    What are the moments that turned everything for you?

    When I graduated from LASU. I was like, ‘I’m done with this. I need to face the DJ work.’ It’s not been easy trying to connect with parties, going for shows. I’m just happy.

  • LASU defends sack of 15 dons

    LASU defends sack of 15 dons

    Management of Lagos State University (LASU) on Monday defended the sack Lagos State University (LASU) management on Monday defended the sack of 15 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), about two weeks ago.

    It claimed it followed due process in their sack. The affected lecturers, include the chairman of ASUU-LASU, Dr Isaac Akinloye Oyewunmi, and his vice, Dr Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu.

    Oyewunmi was sacked for collecting N50,000 from 2003 modular year students of Political Science Education in the sandwich programme; while Adeyemi-Suenu was said to have unilaterally altered results of 12 students already advised to withdraw by Senate in the Department of History and International Studies  in the 2015/2016 Academic session.

    Addressing journalists at the Senate building, the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Lanre Fagbohun, said he received the petition against Oyewunmi last October and wrote him to respond to the allegation, which he denied. Fagbohun, however, said three others mentioned in the petition said Oyewunmi demanded for money.  This, the VC said, led to the setting up of the fact-finding panel, which established that he had a case to answer.

    Fagbohun said apart from the petitioner and the three other witnesses, there was an audio recording of his conversation with the former Director of LASU External System, Dr Tajudeen Abanikanda, where Oyewunmi allegedly admitted collecting the bribe.

    Fagbohun said another committee found Adeyemi-Suenu guilty of manipulating students’ results, adding that  ASUU made the dismissal  look like the union was being victimised.

    “I am a member of ASUU, so why will I have to destroy a union that I know has added value to this great institution?.

    “We need to recognise that we are dealing with individuals as employees of this university in relation to transgressions against the rules and regulations of this university. First and foremost, a person is an employee before becoming a member of the union, therefore, we should not draw our respected union into this.

    “We are talking of individuals, who ran foul of the university rules and as a responsible institution we shall not close our eyes to it,” said the VC.

    Fagbohun said the management is encouraging students to take up the task of whistleblowing, promising that reported cases would be promptly addressed by the management.

    The VC said he did not initiate Oyewunmi’s case, but inherited it from the past administration which passed it to the Governing Council.

    He said: “We are talking of an individual (petitioner), who complained when the former Governor Fashola was on seat, and he continued to complain, but felt he was not being heard. By the time you read the record of the proceedings, you will find out that Governor Fashola then sent a text to the Vice Chancellor to investigate the allegation. By the time that VC was leaving, he submitted a report to the current Pro-Chancellor, which formed part of the handing over note.”

    He said Oyewunmi’s case came into the picture again because from time to time, LASU management was being inundated by calls from government requesting an update on petitions written by the aggrieved individuals.

    He said contrary to the union’s claim, 24 of the 26 members of the Governing Council were in attendance and all endorsed the dismissal.

    LASU Students’ Union President, Kappo Samuel Olawale, said the union was also investigating the matter.

    He said: “As a students’ body, we would not be happy to see our members being exploited. What we are saying is if you are saying a lecturer is doing this or that, we are not going to be a party to it.

    “As a students’ body, we should not just sit but study the situation since the university has also given those dismissed the opportunity to appeal their case.”

    However, ASUU has described as untrue  the audio material which claimed that Oyewunmi admitted to the allegation.

    Secretary to the union, Dr Tony Dansu, said the school management was being economical with truth about inheriting Oyewunmi’s case.

    “I beg to disagree that the vice chancellor inherited the case from the immediate past administration,” Dansu said.

    He continued: “This was a case of 2012 and nothing has been heard about it again beyond when Dr Oyewunmi was invited and asked some questions by the former Acting Director, but he did not know that he was being recorded.

    “As ASUU, I can categorically tell you that all that talk about one audio visual that showed Oyewunmi as begging and grovel for pardon are all ruse.

    “What happened was that someone accused you of using a student to demand money. You the accused now went to investigate from two students and found that that thing is true, and you came back to tell the person who first accused you, that ‘I have investigated and found out its true’. So how does that translate to owning up on an offense you did not commit?

    “We are more than sure this is a case of victimisation. Oyewunmi and Adeyemi-Suenu are not being tried as Individuals but leaders of ASUU-LASU for insisting on checks and balances.”