Court Orders UNILAG to Reinstate Lecturer Sacked Over Sexual Harassment Allegation

Court has ordered UNILAG to reinstate Lecturer Sacked over sexual harassment allegation.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has ruled that the University of Lagos (UNILAG) must reinstate Mr. Bamisaye Olutola, a former Lecturer II whose employment was terminated on July 6, 2021, following an allegation of sexual harassment.

Delivering judgment in suit number NICN/LA/441/2021, Justice Ikechi Nweneka declared that UNILAG acted unlawfully in dismissing Olutola and that his indefinite suspension violated due process.

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According to the court, Olutola’s employment had been confirmed by virtue of his continuous service exceeding four years, and could not be terminated without adherence to established disciplinary procedures.

Court Orders Full Reinstatement and Back Pay

Justice Nweneka ordered the University to immediately:

• Reinstate Olutola without loss of seniority, promotion, or emoluments.

• Pay all outstanding salaries and allowances from August 2021 to date.

• Resume full salary payments going forward.

• Pay ₦750,000 as cost of the suit to Olutola.

Additionally, the court issued a perpetual injunction barring UNILAG, its agents, or privies from unlawfully interfering with Olutola’s employment in the future.

Interest to Apply if UNILAG Fails to Comply Within 30 Days

 

The judge ruled that the university must comply within 30 days, failing which the monetary awards will begin to accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum from August 15, 2025, until full payment is made.

While Olutola had requested 20% post-judgment interest, the court declined, citing lack of sufficient evidence, and instead applied the statutory minimum allowed under Order 47 Rule 7 of the NICN Civil Procedure Rules, 2017.

Background

Mr. Olutola approached the court after his employment was terminated by UNILAG in 2021 due to an allegation of sexual harassment. He argued that his employment status had become permanent and that the university failed to follow due process.

The ruling marks a significant judgment in favour of employee rights and due process in disciplinary proceedings within academic institutions.