By …. University Takes Definitive Stance as Investigation Unfolds
Fawaz Adebisi
In response to the recently resurfaced allegations of certificate racketeering at Lagos State University (LASU), the institution has outlined its position.
Furthermore, LASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has opted for a dignified silence, emphasizing that the matter predates her administration and is currently under investigation.
The press statement, exclusively released to BLACKBOX NIGERIA, in the wake of the scandal being brought to light, refutes claims of the university shielding staff involved in certificate racketeering.
Recall that we reported about a circulating report, disclosing how certificate racketeering was done in LASU.
The university however clarifies that the case was initially discovered in 2020, and an investigation was launched in collaboration with a private agent.
Also, speaking to our reporter on her silence, the Vice-Chancellor, chose not to comment directly on the ongoing investigation, maintaining that it is not within her purview to meddle in such matters.
Her response underscores the importance of allowing the investigative process to run its course.
She said, “I’m glad that the writer acknowledged the fact that this event predated my administration and that the matter is still being investigated by both the DSS and the Directorate of the Public Prosecution (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice. So, in such a matter that is being investigated, am I expected to meddle in it?”
See full statement, “The attention of the University has been drawn to news story being recycled on Sahara Reporters Online media of Monday, 6th November, 2023 alleging that the University was shielding some members of staff involved in certificate racketeering since year 2020.
“This is a case that has been with the Department of State Security since 2020. The details are as follows:
“1. Sometimes, in the year 2020, the University discovered an incident of admission racketeering involving some of her staff and, in conjunction with a private agent, instituted an investigation on the matter.
“2. Consequently, the University wrote a petition to the Department of State Security (DSS) for further investigation, and the university gave full cooperation for the investigation.
“3. Afterwards, the DSS forwarded their report of investigation to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, for advice, and we were reliably informed that the DPP and the DSS are still working on the matter.
“4. Nonetheless, we are aware that the agent who worked with the University in investigating the matter is the same agent writing a petition against the university to the Governor of Lagos State, insinuating a cover-up by the University.
“5. We state unequivocally that the University under this current administration of Prof. Ibiyemi OLATUNJI-BELLO is not covering up any person or group of persons.
“6. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, investigations are still ongoing, and the University is fully cooperating with the law enforcement agencies and officers in the investigation.
“7. It is important to reiterate that the University has given full support to the DSS so far.
“8. The allegation of any cover up by the University is therefore unfounded.
“9. A representative of the University was still at the DPP’s office last week on the matter, and the outcome of the meeting is being worked on.
“10. The comprehensive investigation report of the Department of State Security is what the University is awaiting to take a decisive action of anybody found cupable.”
