Court orders UNILAG to reinstate lecturer dismissed over s£xual harassment allegation

The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to reinstate Mr. Bamisaye Olutola, a former lecturer whose appointment was terminated in July 2021 over allegations of sexual harassment.

Delivering judgment in suit number NICN/LA/441/2021, Justice Ikechi Nweneka ruled that Olutola’s appointment as Lecturer II remains valid and subsisting. The court declared that UNILAG acted unlawfully in terminating his employment and described his indefinite suspension as a breach of due process.

Olutola had approached the court seeking several reliefs, including a declaration that his employment, having exceeded four years, was deemed confirmed and not subject to arbitrary termination. He also demanded reinstatement with full entitlements.

Justice Nweneka upheld Olutola’s arguments, ruling that the University failed to follow statutory disciplinary procedures. The judge emphasized that the claimant’s uninterrupted service had effectively confirmed his appointment.

“The Defendant is hereby ordered to reinstate the Claimant to his position and employment without loss of seniority, promotion, or emoluments,” the judgment read. “The Defendant shall pay the Claimant his full salary and allowances from August 2021 until today and continue to pay his salary thereafter.”

The court also granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the University, its agents, or representatives from unlawfully interfering with Olutola’s employment in the future.

Additionally, UNILAG was ordered to pay ₦750,000 to Olutola as the cost of the suit. Justice Nweneka further directed that the judgment must be complied with within 30 days, after which the financial awards would begin accruing interest at 10 percent per annum from August 15, 2025, until fully settled.

While the court declined the claimant’s request for post-judgment interest at 20 percent per annum, it held that a statutory minimum of 10 percent would apply, citing the relevant provisions of the National Industrial Court’s rules.

The ruling marks a significant development in employment rights within Nigeria’s academic institutions and reinforces the obligation to observe due process in disciplinary matters.