LASU removes student affairs dean over ‘certificate racketeering’

The Lagos State University (LASU) has removed Tajudeen Olumoko, its student affairs dean, over allegations of certificate racketeering.

On Tuesday, a damning report alleged that the embattled dean is involved in a racketeering syndicate in LASU.

The syndicate, the report claimed, sold falsified degree certificates to interested buyers for up to N3 million.

It said, “they manipulated the university’s database to smuggle in names of individuals who never undertook any programme at the institution”.

Olumoko is a senior lecturer in LASU’s political science department.

LASU is yet to communicate his removal officially but Punch reports that the embattled dean has been replaced.

It is understood that Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, another academic at the institution, has been appointed as the acting dean.

Speaking earlier on the allegation, LASU issued a statement saying it had gotten the state directorate for public prosecution involved in the matter.

“These authorities have not yet concluded their investigations,” the statement reads in part.

“Lagos State University management does not take such matters lightly.

“Its own inquiries into the allegations will be concluded before the end of 2023. Consistently with applicable law, the outcome of the inquiry will be published and appropriate action will be taken.

“For emphasis, there has been no cover-up and there will be no cover-up.”