3
The United Action for Democracy (UAD), a civic coalition dedicated to the principles of accountability, transparency, and democratic governance, has petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption to bring to its attention the deepening crisis at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos State.
According to the petition, a copy of which was made available to SUNDAY INDEPENDENT, this petition specifically sought the intervention of the committee, “under your leadership as a Lagos State indigene and legislator”, to engage the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to take decisive action in suspending the Vice-Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into serious allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
According to the petition addressed to the Committee Chairman, signed by Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, General Secretary, United Action for Democracy (UAD), the allegations are currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other crimes Commission (ICPC), and other anti-graft bodies.
The petition, copied the Speaker, House of Representatives, accused the LASUSTECH Vice Chancellor of gross violation of the Lagos State Procurement Law; Collusion with university officials to inflate contracts and divert funds; Misuse of LASUSTECH’s Wema Bank account for suspicious financial transactions.
Other allegations against Professor Odusanya included diversion of funds meant for academic accreditation and institutional growth.
UAD stated: “These alleged infractions amount to over ₦2 billion in public funds, and have caused disillusionment and tension among staff, students, and stakeholders in the university community.
“Yet, Professor Odusanya continues to occupy his position as Vice-Chancellor, directly compromising the credibility of the investigation, discouraging whistleblowers, and intimidating potential witnesses.
“The situation has degenerated to the point where top university officials are being regularly summoned, detained, and questioned by federal investigative agencies, an embarrassment that is now tarnishing the image of both the institution and Lagos State at large.
“We strongly believe that the continued stay of the Vice-Chancellor in office constitutes a moral, legal, and institutional threat, and risks igniting unrest among concerned stakeholders.
“In view of the above, we respectfully request that your Committee convene a public hearing or investigative session on the allegations surrounding LASUSTECH, to amplify national attention and scrutiny, it said.
UAD also urged the committee to engage directly with the governor of Lagos State, urging him to immediately suspend the Vice-Chancellor pending the outcome of investigations.
The group urged the committee to recommend urgent forensic audit of LASUSTECH’s finances for the past three years;
“Ensure whistleblower protection measures are activated for staff and students who have come forward with credible information.
“This matter is not just about LASUSTECH; it concerns the larger question of integrity in the management of our educational institutions and accountability of public officers in a state, like Lagos that prides itself in progressive governance.
“Your leadership and timely intervention could mark a turning point in rescuing LASUSTECH from a crisis that now threatens its future, reputation, and contribution to science and technology education in Nigeria.
“We trust that you will give this matter the urgent legislative attention it deserves.”