The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has raised the alarm over an elaborate scam involving the impersonation of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, by fraudsters attempting to defraud unsuspecting individuals through fake procurement deals.
In a statement issued on Monday by the institution’s Head of Communication, Mrs.
Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university disclosed that the fraudsters have been impersonating the Vice-Chancellor on various social media platforms and via unofficial email channels to carry out fake procurement transactions.
According to the statement, the scammers have targeted individuals through platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp, offering bogus deals involving the supply of laptops and computers.
The perpetrators reportedly demanded upfront payments and proposed questionable financial arrangements under the guise of confidential transactions.
“Reports indicate that these fraudsters have contacted individuals via social media… 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 university stated.
The institution further revealed that the scammers even proposed an illegal 60/40 profit-sharing formula and insisted that communication be conducted via personal email accounts, bypassing official UNILAG domains.
UNILAG reiterated its commitment to due process and transparency in all its procurement activities, affirming that all official transactions are conducted strictly in line with the Nigerian Procurement Act.
“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 statement added.
The university confirmed that the matter has been reported to security agencies, and investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators 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,” it said.
The institution also urged members of the public to be cautious and to verify any suspicious communication purportedly from the university.
“Official UNILAG communications will always come through verifiable institutional channels. Should you receive any suspicious approaches claiming association with UNILAG leadership, please verify through our official email addresses or contact the Vice-Chancellor’s office directly,” the statement added.
UNILAG condemned the misuse of its name and the impersonation of its officials, describing the act as a gross violation of public trust and institutional integrity.
“Together, through vigilance and cooperation, we can protect the integrity of our beloved institution and prevent others from falling victim to these predatory schemes,” the statement concluded.
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