Recent investigations have cleared Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello of involvement in certificate racketeering at Lagos State University (LASU), according to recent findings.
The investigation report, disclosed by an undercover agent, indicates that the alleged academic crime did not occur during her time as the institution’s VC.
The detective, who exonerated Prof Olatunji-Bello emphasized that the distinguished scholar was not implicated in the illicit activity.
According to a statement from Benedict Okohnma, General Manager of WealthRoot Company, further clarified that the VC did not impede the investigation.
In connection with the ongoing investigation, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof Tajudeen Olumoko, has been suspended pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
The university had previously collaborated with WealthRoot Company during the previous administration to uncover syndicates manipulating the university’s server and falsely recording non-graduates as students.
The investigation had been prompted by a concerned alumnus who raised alarm on the fraudulent activities which had been limited to the university’s External System known as Satellite Campus but did not affect regular undergraduate academic programmes.
Members of the syndicate had prior employment in the university’s external system, taking advantage of the urgency to conclude the External System and clear the backlog of part-time students.
WealthRoot Company, engaged by the university to investigate and expose the syndicates, had a comprehensive mandate to understand their operations, recruitment processes and academic procedures leading to clearance.
The company involved worked with the Department of State Services (DSS) and LASU’s security operative throughout the investigation.
The company, yet to submit its final report at the time of this report publication, was also tasked with recommending preventive measures and submitting its findings to the university’s management.
Meanwhile, the ongoing updates on the progress of the investigation were consistently provided to LASU management, demonstrating transparency in handling the matter.
The released report acknowledged that the current university management, under the leadership of Prof Olatunji-Bello, has implemented measures to strengthen the certificate collection process.
The management, according to the statement, has duly fulfilled its obligations under the understanding between the university and WealthRoot, providing necessary support to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation.
