The Provost of Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Professor Raheem Olasupo Akewushola, has strongly condemned an alleged case of admission fraud involving a cybercafé operator, Mr. Kehinde Micheal Arapatile, stressing that his administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward such misconduct.
Professor Akewushola revealed that the case came to light after an applicant seeking admission into the College to study Health Assistant petitioned the management, accusing Mr. Arapatile of defrauding her of ₦1.5 million under the pretext of securing her admission.
According to the petition, the applicant initially deposited ₦500,000 into Arapatile’s account as part of the purported admission process. However, when the promised admission failed to materialize, Arapatile reportedly advised her not to bother attending classes, assuring that she would still be awarded a certificate without hindrance.
Feeling uncomfortable with the arrangement, the applicant demanded a refund of her deposit. Rather than comply, Arapatile allegedly resorted to threats in an attempt to silence her, which ultimately prompted her to petition the College’s Provost.
During interrogation by the LASCOHET management, Mr. Arapatile confessed to the allegations but claimed the transaction was not in connection with LASCOHET. Instead, he asserted that it was related to a professional body, CIMB, where he claimed to serve as a liaison officer. However, he was unable to provide the full meaning of the acronym.
Professor Akewushola further disclosed that preliminary investigations led to the recovery of stamp pads belonging to various institutions from Arapatile’s shop, raising further suspicions. He stressed that investigations are ongoing and assured that appropriate disciplinary and legal actions will be taken.
“The general public is hereby warned not to transact any business with Mr. Kehinde Micheal Arapatile in the interest of LASCOHET. He is neither a staff member nor an agent of the College. Whoever engages with him does so at his or her own risk,” the Provost declared.
He reiterated that the College would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that perpetrators of fraudulent practices and other forms of misconduct are brought to justice.
