The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has issued a stern warning regarding individuals falsely posing as the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, to carry out fraudulent procurement activities.
According to a statement from Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, UNILAG’s Head of Communication, scammers have been contacting people through social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp, falsely claiming to be the Vice-Chancellor.
They attempt to orchestrate bogus procurement transactions involving laptops and computers, insisting on secrecy, upfront payments, and suspicious financial arrangements.
“Reports indicate that these fraudsters have contacted individuals via social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, X and WhatsApp), falsely claiming to be the Vice-Chancellor and attempting to orchestrate sham procurement processes for laptops/computers, with fabricated requirements for secrecy, upfront payments and improper financial arrangements,” the statement said.
These scammers have even suggested an unlawful 60/40 profit-sharing arrangement and directed communications through private email addresses instead of official UNILAG domains.
The university reaffirmed that all procurements are conducted transparently and competitively, strictly following Nigerian Procurement Laws.
“At no time would any legitimate representative of UNILAG, least of all the Vice-Chancellor, request upfront payments, propose kickback arrangements, or conduct official business through personal email accounts or social media platforms,” the institution emphasized.
UNILAG urged the public to consider any such communication as fraudulent and to report it immediately.
The institution also revealed that it has reported the matter to law enforcement agencies, aiming to bring the culprits to justice.
“We have already taken swift action by escalating this matter to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. The University is cooperating fully with investigators to identify and prosecute those responsible for this criminal impersonation,” the statement added.
To safeguard the public and the university, UNILAG encouraged everyone to be extremely cautious, stressing that official communications will only come through verifiable institutional channels.
“Should you receive any suspicious approaches claiming association with UNILAG leadership, please verify through our official email, communicationunit@unilag.edu.ng or contact the Vice-Chancellor’s office directly at vcoffice@unilag.edu.ng,” the university advised.
UNILAG condemned the misuse of its name and the impersonation of its officials for fraudulent purposes and reiterated its commitment to integrity and transparency.
“Together, through vigilance and cooperation, we can protect the integrity of our beloved institution and prevent others from falling victim to these predatory schemes.”
