LASU Students Push Back Against Calls to Reinstate Sacked Agriculture Dean

A group, Concerned LASU Students, has urged the Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU) not to reverse the dismissal of former Dean, School of Agriculture, Epe Campus, Prof. Olatunji Tajudeen Fasasi Abanikannda.

They alleged that some political interests were lobbying for his reinstatement.

The students, who described themselves as victims of the incidents that led to the lecturer’s dismissal, said recalling him would undermine the university’s disciplinary process and reopen the trauma they suffered.

In a statement signed by the group’s leader, Comrade Tajudeen Alausa, the students alleged that influential individuals were mounting pressure on the university to overturn the Governing Council’s decision, despite the findings of an investigation that resulted in the lecturer’s dismissal.

Abanikannda was dismissed by the Governing Council on July 3, 2025, after a joint Council-Senate committee investigated allegations against him. The council approved the committee’s recommendations at its 143rd Statutory Meeting, with the dismissal taking immediate effect.

The students said they had petitioned the university over alleged years of intimidation, abuse, forced labour, sexual harassment and other acts of misconduct committed by the former lecturer.

They recalled that one of the incidents investigated involved students participating in the Farm Practical Year programme at the Epe Campus, where they alleged they were forced to remain under heavy rainfall without justification.

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According to the group, the university accepted the disciplinary committee’s report, removed Abanikannda as dean and subsequently terminated his appointment.

The students also referred to the university’s dismissal letter dated July 3, 2025, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Emmanuel Fanu, which they said found the former dean guilty of four offences.

Among the allegations cited, they said, was the inhumane treatment of 400-Level Agriculture students, who were allegedly kept on the farm from 6:30am. to 10pm without adequate breaks, food or water, including during a heavy downpour.

The group further alleged that one of the aspirants for the office of Vice Chancellor had promised to reinstate the dismissed lecturer if appointed, although it did not identify the individual.

The students vowed to oppose any move to recall Abanikannda.

“We don’t care who becomes the next Vice Chancellor, but we will resist any attempt to bring back Abanikannda. That will be a slap in our faces and an attempt to reopen our wounds,” the statement said.