The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, has threatened to sue Naija OnPoint for ₦1 billion. The threat follows a report alleging financial irregularities at the university. In a letter dated 29 October, she demanded that the publication be removed, retracted and an apology issued within 48 hours.
Nigerian universities face recurring audit queries. In 2023, the Auditor-General flagged irregularities in federal universities. In 2024, UNILAG faced protests over fee hikes. In 2025, several vice-chancellors were summoned by the House of Representatives over mismanagement. Media investigations into university finances are rare but increasing. Defamation threats are a common response. The courts have upheld some claims and dismissed others. The current case will test the line between investigative journalism and reputational harm.
The letter was signed by Taiwo Osipitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, of Bayo Osipitan & Co. The disputed report was titled “Citadel of Criminals: Under VC Folashade Ogunsola, UNILAG Staff Pocketed N397million In Irregular Payments While N434million In Cash Advances Went Unretired.” It was published on Naija OnPoint’s website and its accounts on X and LinkedIn. A report with the same headline was published by Secrets Reporters on 24 October. The investigation alleged that staff received ₦397.5 million in irregular payments. It alleged ₦434.8 million in cash advances remained unretired. It reported ₦355.6 million in payments without supporting documents and ₦178 million in unapproved allowances. It also reported ₦121.7 million in missing store items, ₦116.4 million in e-payment violations and ₦82.9 million in cash advances above approved limits. Earlier reports alleged ₦7.83 billion in undisclosed contracts, ₦3.89 billion in unremitted revenue and ₦7 billion in unverified contracts.
Ogunsola’s lawyer said the report wrongly associated her with misconduct by unidentified staff. He said the headline and contents portrayed her as a dishonest administrator who condoned misappropriation and presided over a university populated by criminals. The lawyer said she does not object to investigative journalism or responsible reporting on matters of public interest. She rejects “false and unverified allegations” capable of damaging her reputation.
Winners: Ogunsola, if the report is retracted. Naija OnPoint and Secrets Reporters, if they stand by the story. Lawyers, who gain work. The public, if the facts emerge. Losers: Ogunsola, if the allegations are proven. The university, whose reputation suffers. Media, if the suit chills reporting. Students and staff, who face uncertainty. Taxpayers, if funds were misappropriated.
Bottom Line: A vice-chancellor threatened a ₦1 billion suit. The report alleged massive irregularities. She denies wrongdoing. The court will decide. The public deserves the truth. A retraction is not the same as an acquittal. An investigation is not the same as a conviction. Let the evidence speak.