The Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, alongside the management of the Lagos State University of Education, has initiated peace efforts following a recent clash between youths in the university’s host communities.
During a visit on March 2, 2026, the Commissioner and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji Okuneye, paid separate courtesy calls to His Royal Majesty, Oba Aina Josiah Olanrewaju Ilemobade Kuyamiku I, the Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom.
The meetings focused on restoring calm after a disturbance on February 28, 2026, which reportedly caused panic among staff and students of the institution.
The crisis, involving some youths from Oto and Ijanikin communities, led to property damage and injuries, including the loss of a university staff member. The development prompted swift intervention by the state government to stabilise the area and reassure residents.
Speaking during the visits, Sule stressed that security is a shared responsibility and urged community leaders and stakeholders to take proactive steps toward lasting peace. He noted that many parents were worried about the safety of their children and wards, adding that the state government strongly condemns acts of violence.
The Commissioner also sympathised with both communities over damaged property and extended condolences to the university management over the loss recorded during the unrest.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with its host communities. She commended the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu for its prompt response and called for sustained collaboration to prevent future disruptions.
The Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom expressed concern over the disruption caused by the crisis and emphasised the importance of parental guidance and responsible conduct among youths. He pledged continued cooperation with the government and the university to ensure peace, while urging security agencies to remain professional in their duties.
Similarly, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom described the incident as unfortunate and assured residents that measures were being taken to prevent a recurrence. He disclosed that security operatives were tracking individuals suspected to be involved in the unrest.
Later the same day, the Vice Chancellor also received the Executive Chairman of Oto Awori Local Council Development Area, Honourable Kareem Azeez Abiodun, and other council officials who visited to express solidarity with the university and discuss strategies for restoring calm. The council chairman stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and strengthen preventive measures.
The Vice Chancellor commended the local council leadership for its support and urged continuous sensitisation within the communities, encouraging residents to promptly report any threats to peace and security.
