Commissioner, LASU VC, senior staff to appear before Lawmakers over alleged certificate racketeering

The Lagos state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Senate of the tertiary institution and other top staff are to appear before the House of Assembly over allegations of certificate racketeering levelled against the school recently.

The House issued the summon on Tuesday after a motion was moved by Hon. Owolabi Ajani ( Lagos Mainland 1) under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ on the allegation.

Ajani told his colleagues that there was a need to invite the Commissioner, the VC and others for the House to unravel the facts behind the allegation.

He noted that LASU had maintained a high level of integrity over the years adding that this must be sustained.

Hon. Lukmoh Olumoh ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) urged that the investigation should involve people in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) unit of the institution.

Also, Hon. Desmond Elliot ( Surulere 1) and Hon. Ladi Ajomale ( Oshodi/Isolo 2), supported that the allegation be investigated.

However, the Speaker of the House, Rt. (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa noted that the source of the news could be suspicious and not trustworthy because of its tendency to blackmail.

Obasa also agreed that the concerned officials of the institution be invited so that facts about the allegation could be unearthed for the sake of the reputation of the school.

“I agree that the committee should invite those to be invited to establish facts about the allegation, but we must not because of that destroy our institution’s reputation,” said Obasa.

Although, as at the time of filing this report, no probe committee was set up for the purpose by the House and no date was mentioned for the invitees to appear before the lawmakers.