The May edition of TAU KnowledgeX, held on May 28, 2025, at the Virtual Lab, East Campus of Thomas Adewumi University, spotlighted the legal and procedural framework guiding investigation and adjudication in the academic environment. With the theme “Investigation and Adjudication in the Academia: What Does the Law Say?”, the session featured insights from legal and criminology experts, reinforcing the university's stance on due process and institutional accountability.
Speaking at the event, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Dr. Olorunmola Jide Joseph, detailed the internal mechanisms universities must adopt in handling staff misconduct. “Every disciplinary process must begin with a Preliminary Investigation and its findings must be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor for review.” If sufficient evidence is found, he said, the case moves to trial.
According to Dr. Olorunmola, disciplinary proceedings can take either a summary or full trial form. “If the accused staff admits guilt, a summary trial is conducted with appropriate sanctions recommended. Otherwise, the matter proceeds to a full trial, which involves formal presentation of evidence, witness testimonies, and cross-examinations” noting that the staff member is granted the opportunity for a plea of mitigation before any sanction is finalized.
Transitioning from internal procedures to legal intersections, Barr. Italoye Joseph Olajide of the Faculty of Law, focused on the legal implications of student-related offences and how universities should respond within the law. He clarified that criminal offences such as examination malpractice or drug-related violations should not end with internal panels alone. “Such cases can and should be referred to appropriate external authorities like the police or NDLEA,” Barr. Italoye noted.
Citing the Examination Malpractice Act and key judicial precedents, Barr. Italoye clarified that the university Senate has the authority to suspend students pending investigations or legal proceedings, while stressing the importance of aligning such actions with statutory laws and precedents. “Once a student confesses to an offence, the university is legally empowered to act, as established by decisions such as Kobi v. Usmanu Danfodiyo University,” he said.
The session provided an insightful exploration of the frameworks governing discipline within higher institutions. With perspectives from both criminological and legal standpoints, this event reinforces Thomas Adewumi university’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and legal compliance in handling both staff and student misconduct.
