EFCC Investigates N2 Billion Misappropriation Scandal at Lagos State University of Science and Technology
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged diversion of N2 billion at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), marking one of the most significant higher education corruption probes in recent Lagos State history.
High-Profile Investigation Expands to State Commissioners
According to sources familiar with the matter, the anti-graft agency has extended its investigation beyond university officials to include three commissioners serving in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet. The expansion of the probe suggests the potential scale of the financial irregularities under examination.
The investigation centers on allegations that Vice-Chancellor Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya and other senior management officials misappropriated funds specifically allocated by the Lagos State Government in September 2024 for critical departmental accreditation processes and infrastructure development projects.
VC Detained and Released as Investigation Intensifies
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Professor Odusanya was detained by the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate on Monday and released on administrative bail the following day. “We arrested him on Monday and released him on Tuesday. The investigation is ongoing,” Oyewale stated.
A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that “the VC was arrested over alleged diversion and misappropriation of funds” and that multiple state commissioners “have been invited and quizzed on the matter.”
Whistleblower Petition Triggers Probe
The investigation was initiated following an April petition filed by the non-governmental organization Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA). The organization alleged systematic financial misconduct, including contract inflation and violations of the Lagos State Public Procurement Law of 2021.
HURMA Executive Director Buna Isiak confirmed the organization’s involvement in bringing the allegations to light. The petition specifically accused university leadership of misusing the N2 billion allocation intended to strengthen the institution’s academic programs and physical infrastructure.
University Officials Offer Conflicting Accounts
LASUSTECH spokesperson Olanrewaju Kuye provided a contrasting narrative, insisting that Professor Odusanya had merely “honored an EFCC invitation” and returned to campus the same day. Kuye dismissed the allegations as “frivolous” while acknowledging that such disputes can occur within academic institutions.
However, sources within the university community indicated that at least five senior officials—including the registrar and bursar—had been interrogated by EFCC operatives prior to the vice-chancellor’s involvement, suggesting a broader investigative scope than officially acknowledged.
Broader Implications for Education Funding and Accountability
The LASUSTECH case represents a critical test for financial accountability in Nigeria’s higher education sector, where substantial government allocations often face scrutiny over utilization. The involvement of state commissioners raises questions about oversight mechanisms and the potential for systemic vulnerabilities in education fund management.
As the EFCC continues its investigation, education stakeholders are watching closely, recognizing that the outcome could set important precedents for financial governance in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and the enforcement of public procurement regulations.
This report was developed based on information from Gistmania as the primary source.