February 7, 2026 | News | SUNTV Global Channel
Tension is escalating at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin, as staff and union sources have sharply rejected a recent rebuttal issued by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, describing it as evasive, misleading, and dismissive of core issues affecting workers.
The Vice-Chancellor had earlier denied allegations of maladministration, insisting that decisions under her leadership are taken strictly through duly constituted committees and in line with existing regulations. She also maintained that funds released by the Lagos State Government—particularly for accreditation exercises—were properly utilised.
However, in a detailed response made available to SUNTV Global Channel, staff sources within the institution accused the Vice-Chancellor of failing to directly address serious concerns, including unpaid salary-related entitlements, promotion irregularities, victimisation of union leaders, and alleged financial mismanagement.
December Bonus Controversy
One of the central grievances relates to the alleged non-payment of the full December bonus as directed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Visitor to the university.
According to the sources, the Vice-Chancellor allegedly failed to fully implement the governor’s directive, paying staff less than the approved amount. They claimed that since the commencement of her tenure, the December bonus has never been paid in full.
“Staff are currently owed about 170 percent of the December bonus as approved by the governor,” the sources alleged, describing the situation as a direct affront to the authority of the Visitor.
Committees ‘Controlled by Fear’
While the Vice-Chancellor insists that committees—not personal discretion—drive governance at LASUED, staff sources alleged that these committees operate under intense pressure.
They claimed that during Senate meetings, dissenting views are discouraged and that decisions are effectively imposed, creating what they described as a climate where “her word is final.”
Promotion and Placement Irregularities
Staff also raised concerns over alleged irregular promotions and grade-level placements among non-teaching staff.
Under existing guidelines, a first-degree holder is eligible for placement on Grade Level 7, with advancement to Levels 8 or 9 requiring higher qualifications such as a Master’s or PhD. However, staff sources alleged that some employees—including unconfirmed staff—were placed on Grade Levels 11 and 13 without meeting the required criteria.
They further claimed that some of the allegedly favoured staff have close affiliations with the Vice-Chancellor and act as informants within the system.
Union Leader Suspension Sparks Outrage
The suspension of union leader, Comrade Fowowe, remains a major flashpoint. Staff sources argued that the second suspension would not have occurred had he remained silent on labour-related issues.
They questioned why another staff member, Mr. Muyiwa Asimolowo, who reportedly shares the same office and was not present during the incident in question, was neither queried nor sanctioned.
“This is a clear case of selective punishment and witch-hunting,” the sources alleged.
They also criticised the Vice-Chancellor’s claim that a previous disciplinary panel issued only a warning due to “political solutions,” questioning how an allegedly independent committee could be influenced politically.
Accreditation Funds Under Scrutiny
Despite acknowledging that substantial funds were released by the Lagos State Government for accreditation, staff sources raised concerns about how the money was utilised.
They alleged that while about ₦2 billion was reportedly released, academic departments received only about ₦2 million each, while deans allegedly received ₦3 million each—amounts they described as grossly inadequate for accreditation requirements.
As a result, lecturers across various cadres were allegedly forced to contribute personal funds to support accreditation exercises.
Faulty Equipment, New Vehicles
The sources further alleged that laptops and printers supplied to departments were refurbished items that became faulty within 16 months, adding that no new equipment was provided to departments outside the Vice-Chancellor’s immediate office.
They also accused the university leadership of prioritising the purchase of new official vehicles for the Vice-Chancellor and senior council members while departments lacked basic logistics required for accreditation.
Atmosphere of Fear
According to staff and union sources, the cumulative effect of these issues has created an atmosphere of fear within the institution.
“The problem is that we have a Vice-Chancellor who is extremely powerful, and nobody dares to tell her the truth,” the sources stated.
They are now calling on the Lagos State Government, relevant regulatory bodies, and oversight agencies to institute an independent investigation into the allegations, warning that failure to act could further erode trust and industrial harmony at LASUED.
