Lagos State University (LASU), through its Centre for Financial Forensic Investigation and Analytics (CFFIA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Africa Academy for Counter-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Studies (AACAS).
The partnership aims to advance professional education in financial forensics and anti-corruption studies across Africa and beyond.
The historic signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, described the event as the beginning of a transformative collaboration. She stated, “This agreement embodies our mutual commitment to develop and advance a curriculum which includes specialised postgraduate diploma certificate courses designed to equip professionals with skills and knowledge needed to combat fraud and corruption effectively within our communities and beyond. By aligning our strengths and expertise, we will open doors to innovative solutions, enhanced efficiencies, and new opportunities that will benefit the people we serve.”
Dr. Rabiu Olowo, immediate past Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, and Chairman of AACAS, praised LASU for pioneering the establishment of the Centre for Financial Forensic Investigation and Analytics, the first of its kind in Nigerian tertiary institutions. He assured the university of AACAS’s full support in achieving the centre’s mandate.
Dr. Olowo remarked, “What we are bringing into this partnership is our practice-based understanding, and we come with the might of over 800 currently practising professionals in all industries and sub-sectors. This partnership is also a very good mark for us because this will be our first collaboration with a Nigerian university.”
The event witnessed the presence of notable LASU officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olufunso Omobitan; Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka; University Librarian, Dr. Omawumi Makinde; and the Director of CFFIA, Professor James Kehinde. Key AACAS representatives and members of CFFIA were also in attendance, further solidifying the significance of this partnership.
The Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing optimism about the prospects of the partnership in enhancing anti-corruption education and research in Nigeria.
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