The management of Lagos State University (LASU) has issued a stern warning to staff and students against turning their offices and classrooms into makeshift residences for overnight stays. This directive was part of the outcomes from the 311th Statutory Meeting of the University Senate held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, which reviewed a report (Ref No: LASU/SEN/ST.311/024/AOB) from the university’s Security Unit.
The report highlighted unacceptable behavior on campus, noting that some staff and students have been sleeping in their offices and classrooms, even using kitchen utensils and other makeshift arrangements. The Senate expressed concern that such behavior poses significant security risks and health concerns.
“In a related development, some members of the LASU Student Union Executive Committee have equally converted their offices at the Students Union Arcade into rooms where they also pass the nights. In some cases, the executive members harbor the opposite sex overnight, and when challenged by security officers, the culprits often claim that the security men lack the power to challenge them as the Arcade is students-controlled and, therefore, autonomous,” the report stated.
To address these issues, the Senate has decided the following:
– **Desist from Overnight Stays:** Staff and students are instructed to stop the habit of sleeping overnight in offices and classrooms.
– **Examination Periods:** Students are allowed to stay on campus overnight only during examination periods.
– **Disciplinary Actions:** Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any staff or students found violating these directives.
– **Notification for Overnight Stay:** Academic staff who need to stay on campus overnight due to job exigencies should notify the Chief Security Officer to ensure the Security Unit is aware.
– **Guidelines for Student Union:** The university management will issue guidelines to the LASU Student Union Executive Committee, clarifying that the Students Union Arcade is not for residential purposes.
The university management’s directive aims to maintain a secure and healthy environment on campus.
