LASUED Tensions Deepen as Staff Reject VC’s Rebuttal, Allege Bonuses, Promotions, and Accreditation Irregularities

edutvnigeria

09/02/26 • 45 بازدیدها • 0 اشتراک گذاری • منتشر شده در دیگر

Tension is escalating at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin, as staff and union sources have faulted a recent rebuttal issued by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, describing it as evasive and failing to address core allegations of maladministration.

The Vice-Chancellor had earlier dismissed claims of wrongdoing in the institution, insisting that major administrative and financial decisions were taken through duly constituted committees and in accordance with extant regulations. She also maintained that government funds released to the university, particularly for accreditation exercises, were properly utilised.

However, investigations by Nigeria Education News and accounts from staff within LASUED suggest growing dissatisfaction over unresolved issues, including alleged unpaid salary-related entitlements, promotion irregularities, victimisation of union officials, and questionable financial practices.

A major flashpoint is the alleged non-payment of the December bonus approved by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Visitor to the university. Staff sources claim the directive was not fully implemented, with workers reportedly receiving less than the approved sum. They further alleged that since Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye assumed office, the December bonus has never been paid in full.

“Staff are presently owed about 170 per cent of the December bonus as approved by the governor,” a union source said, describing the situation as a disregard for the authority of the Visitor.

While the Vice-Chancellor has argued that committees, rather than personal discretion, guide governance at LASUED, staff counter that such bodies are heavily influenced by her office. They alleged that opposing views during Senate meetings are discouraged and that decisions are imposed through intimidation.

Concerns have also been raised over staff promotions and placements. According to the sources, civil service rules stipulate that non-teaching staff with a first degree should be placed on Grade Level 7, with progression dependent on additional qualifications such as a Master’s degree or PhD.

They alleged that, contrary to these guidelines, some staff members — including unconfirmed employees — were placed on Grade Levels 11 and 13 without meeting the required criteria. The beneficiaries, they claimed, are individuals perceived to be close to the Vice-Chancellor, some of whom allegedly act as informants within the system.

The suspension of a union leader, Comrade Fowowe, has further fuelled discontent. Staff sources alleged that his second suspension was an act of victimisation linked to union activities. They questioned why another officer, Mr. Muyiwa Asimolowo, who reportedly works in the same office and was not present during the incident in question, was neither queried nor sanctioned.

“This selective punishment amounts to witch-hunting and double standards,” a source stated.

They also challenged the Vice-Chancellor’s claim that an earlier disciplinary panel only issued a warning due to what she described as “political solutions,” arguing that an independent committee should not be subject to political interference.

On accreditation funding, staff acknowledged that the Lagos State Government released substantial sums for the exercise but queried the manner of disbursement. They alleged that although about ₦2 billion was reportedly released, departments received roughly ₦2 million each, while deans were allegedly given ₦3 million, figures they described as grossly inadequate for accreditation demands.

As a result, lecturers across various cadres were reportedly compelled to contribute personal funds to meet accreditation requirements.

Further allegations include the supply of refurbished laptops and printers that allegedly became faulty within 16 months, with claims that no new equipment was provided beyond the Vice-Chancellor’s immediate office. Staff also accused the management of prioritising the purchase of new official vehicles for top officials while academic units lacked basic logistics for teaching and accreditation.

According to the sources, the cumulative impact of these developments has created an atmosphere of fear and silence within the university.

“The problem is that we have a Vice-Chancellor who is extremely powerful and nobody dares to tell her the truth,” one staff member alleged.

Staff and union leaders are now urging the Lagos State Government, regulatory agencies, and other relevant authorities to institute an independent investigation into the allegations, with the aim of restoring accountability, transparency and industrial harmony at LASUED.

Download our Mobile App for easy access
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en

Mobile App Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvng.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en