The 2023/2024 PhD class of the Department of Public Administration, Nasarawa State University, has commended the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, for his outstanding public leadership roles.

The commendation was made during a study visit by the research group to his office in Abuja.

The group noted that their research identified Gbajabiamila as a people-centred leader, highlighting his past legislative activities and his current leadership mentorship programme.

“We have come to share in your experiences, having risen from the position of Minority Leader to Majority Leader, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and now Chief of Staff to the President,” they stated.

Recalling his interventions during international crises, the group praised Gbajabiamila’s efforts in protecting Nigerians abroad.

“You played pivotal roles in safeguarding Nigerians during attacks in Ghana and South Africa by leading a Nigerian parliamentary delegation to address the issues. You also stopped the attack on Nigerians in China during the breakout of COVID-19,” the group noted.

They particularly commended his sponsorship of the Student Loan Bill, now signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

“Of particular interest is your sponsorship of the Student Loan Bill, and we thank President Tinubu for signing that life-changing Bill into law,” the researchers added.

The group affirmed that these achievements had distinguished Gbajabiamila as a “Public Leadership Icon” worthy of academic study.

In his response, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude for the visit and encouraged the students to support the government’s efforts.

“I thank you for this visit. I urge you to support the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and come out with public policy research that will help the government and enhance the wellbeing of Nigerians,” he said.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a position paper titled “Financial Autonomy of Local Governments: Challenges and Recommendations” by the research group.

Allegations of sexual harassment have rocked Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), formerly known as Lagos State Polytechnic, with survivors recounting chilling encounters involving several male lecturers.

This comes as the institution confirms the dismissal of three academic staff following internal disciplinary proceedings.

In a statement to NigeriaUpdates, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Lanre Kuye, said the school followed due process:

“We have a standard sexual harassment policy in place. Investigations were conducted, and disciplinary decisions were reached accordingly.”

Among the dismissed are two technologists in the Department of Arts and Industrial Design and one assistant lecturer from the Mass Communication Department.

Mr. Kuye, however, refrained from confirming whether the disciplinary actions were connected to the specific allegations raised by survivors.

Survivors Share Harrowing Testimonies

Survivors, whose names have been withheld for protection, revealed systemic abuse that spanned several academic session.

“I was heavily pregnant, yet my then project supervisor insisted on sex before giving me a topic. My husband had to call and threaten him. That was the only time he backed off.”

Another survivor allegedly recounted her experience with a lecturer.

“He asked me to write my response to his advances in a book and seal it with a pin. When I refused, he harassed me in front of the class and told me never to attend again.”

Several survivors identified Mr. Uthman and the former Head of Department as alleged complicit in harassment or cover-ups:

“Uthman kept trying to touch me during consultations. When I reported him to the HOD, he pretended to care but then asked to kiss me in his office. I left in shock.”

One of the more disturbing accounts came from an Alumni, a graduate of the department:

“Mr. Arigbabu once asked if I was a virgin. I was too naive to respond. Later, during my HND, one of my lecturer held my hands, said he liked me, and asked for my number. He called me during holidays and claimed I failed his course. I ignored him. When the result came out, I passed.”

The Alumni’s account aligns with others who described inappropriate conduct by Mr. Arigbabu, who was reportedly among those dismissed.

A leaked video allegedly depicting Mr. Arigbabu in a compromising state has been verified, with the individual in the video confirmed to be him. The video, which circulated among students, has raised further concerns about the extent of misconduct at the institution.

NigeriaUpdates has independently verified the content of the video and identified the individual as Mr. Arigbabu.

Institutional Accountability and Legal Gaps

Gender rights advocate and founder of Gender Mobile Initiative, Omowumi Ogunrotimi, emphasized the responsibility of institutions:

“Tertiary institutions must have clear, comprehensive policies that define sexual harassment and provide safe reporting mechanisms. Apps like CampusPal can aid reporting.”

She noted that while policies matter, enforcement is critical:

“When policies are accessible and effective, they build trust. Survivors are more likely to come forward.”

On the legal side, Nigeria still lacks a unified sexual harassment framework:

“We rely on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, the Criminal Code, and the ICPC Act, which allow for prosecution of abuse tied to authority. However, a comprehensive Sexual Harassment Prohibition Bill is urgently needed to close gaps and standardize responses,” Ogunrotimi added.

Right of Reply

Among those named in allegations, only Mr. Hassan, who is currently appealing the university’s disciplinary action, responded:

“thanks for reaching out. Kindly avail me till Tuesday or Wednesday for proper Right of Reply as I’m sending in my appeal… dictated by the University Staff Conditions of Service.”

NigeriaUpdates will update this report should further responses be received.

Efforts to reach Mr. Uthman and Mr. Arigbabu were unsuccessful as of press time.

Looking Ahead

These revelations, coupled with internal dismissals and a growing chorus of survivor voices, mark a significant moment for LASUSTECH. For many, it’s not just about institutional action but it’s about culture change.

“Those lecturers used their power to humiliate and exploit us,” said one survivor. “But we’re not afraid to speak anymore.”

The Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, Ibadan, is set to commence degree-awarding programmes, according to the Provost, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi.

She made this known during the donation of a 110-inch interactive electronic board and projector to the college by alumni group Set X (1979–1982) over the weekend.

Dr. Owolabi revealed that the college is in the process of affiliating with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, which will serve as a platform for students to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

“The noble initiative of the old students will in no small measure contribute to educational development in the state. It is indeed encouraging, laudable, commendable, and appreciated,” she stated.

Dr. Owolabi emphasized that the college remains committed to academic excellence, saying:

“The college will not rest on its oars in providing quality education to future nurses. We will continue to maintain our position as the premier nursing institution in Nigeria.”

The Provost, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi and others at the reunion organised by Set X.

She further disclosed that the college has secured approval to establish faculties and will offer more programmes once full accreditation is received from relevant federal regulatory agencies and councils.

“We are fully committed to theoretical and practical training, as well as skills development,” she added.

While expressing gratitude for the donations, the Provost encouraged the alumni to sustain their support for the institution.

Earlier, Chairman of Set X (1979–1982), Dr. Yemisi Bhadmus-Ladi, appreciated members of the group for their commitment to giving back to the college.

“The School of Nursing, Eleyele, now known as the College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, was a stepping stone to our greatness,” she said.

Set X donated the digital teaching equipment, while the 1985 set contributed an industrial borehole to the college. The borehole was commissioned by former Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Arinola, and the interactive board and projector were commissioned by Mrs. Obasa, a former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health.