By Damilare Adeleye
The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, stated plans to invite Tolani Akibu, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), the Senate of the institution and other top staff over allegations of extortion and certificate racketeering levelled against the school.
A report had earlier emerged alleging that degree certificate was being sold in the school, adding that it would between N2 million to N3 million to get a degree approved by the school’s senate.
Reacting to the allegation through the motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Owolabi Ajani noted that there was a need to invite the Commissioner, the VC and others for the House to look into the allegation.
Also, Sa’ad Olumoh called for an investigation into the allegation, adding that the investigation should involve the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) unit of the institution,
Two other lawmakers including Desmond Elliot and Ladi Ajomale, who are graduates of LASU, supported the motion
Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the House, resolved that the concerned officials of the institution be invited to unravel the facts behind the allegation.
“I agree that the committee should invite those to be invited to establish facts about the allegation, but we must not because of that destroy our institution’s reputation,” Obasa said.
He noted that anyone found wanting should be sanctioned.
Meanwhile, the management of the school has said it is investigating the allegation.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Coordinator of, Centre for Information and Public Relations.
The statement read, “The attention of Lagos State University Management has been drawn to recent reports regarding alleged ‘Certificate Racketeering’ and a ‘sting operation’ in the university.
“We hereby establish that the management of Lagos State University had promptly brought the original allegations to the attention of general law enforcement authorities including the Office of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions. These authorities have not yet concluded their investigations. 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.”