By Prosper Mene
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has issued a public alert following reports of fraudsters impersonating its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, in a sophisticated procurement scam linked to a broader N13.8 billion Ponzi scheme. The warning comes as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remanded Precious Williams, a director of Glossalalia Nigeria Ltd. and Pelenged Nigeria Ltd., in Port Harcourt for her alleged role in the Ponzi scheme, raising concerns about the increasing prevalence of financial fraud in Nigeria.
According to a statement released by UNILAG’s Head of the Communication Unit, Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, scammers have been targeting individuals through social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp, posing as Professor Ogunsola. The fraudsters are orchestrating sham procurement processes, falsely claiming to represent the university in deals involving laptops and computers. They entice victims with promises of a 60/40 profit-sharing arrangement, demanding upfront payments and secrecy, and directing communication through private email addresses rather than official UNILAG domains. “This fraudulent activity is not only illegal but deeply concerning,” the statement noted.
The university emphasized that it adheres strictly to transparent and competitive procurement processes in line with Nigerian procurement laws. UNILAG urges the public to verify any suspicious claims or requests by contacting the university through official channels. The University has escalated the matter to law enforcement agencies and is cooperating fully with investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement added.
The UNILAG scam exploits the university’s reputation and the authority of Professor Ogunsola, the institution’s first female Vice-Chancellor, appointed in October 2022. Previous reports have highlighted similar impersonation attempts, with at least five fake Facebook accounts claiming to be Ogunsola’s in 2024. One such account offered job slots at UNILAG for N3 million, prompting warnings from the university and Ogunsola herself.
Victims of the Ponzi scheme, including some who gathered outside the Port Harcourt court, expressed devastation. “I sold my land to invest N5.5 million, believing it would secure my family’s future,” said Chukwuma Eze, a 47-year-old trader from Lagos. “Now, we’re left with nothing but promises.” The EFCC noted that Ponzi schemes have cost Nigerians over N911 billion ($589 million) in the past 23 years, underscoring the urgency of public awareness and regulatory action.
UNILAG’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and transparency, urging vigilance among the public. The university’s cooperation with law enforcement aims to dismantle the fraudulent networks exploiting its name. Meanwhile, the EFCC continues its investigation into Williams and her associates, with the next hearing scheduled for July 10, 2025, in Port Harcourt.
