The management of Lagos State University (LASU) has warned students, staff, and visitors against producing offensive or unauthorised skits on its campuses, following Wednesday’s scare caused by a prank video that mimicked a bandit attack.
The December 5 incident, captured in a skit titled “Bandits Prank on Lasuites”, showed individuals dressed as bandits storming the Ojo campus in a commando-style entry, triggering panic as students and passers-by fled in fear.
The episode caused a brief commotion before it was later confirmed to be staged content.
In a statement on Friday, the university’s spokesperson, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, cautioned over the rising use of its campuses for skits and other content that are offensive, inappropriate and misrepresent the values and image of the institution.
The statement read, “The Lagos State University has observed with concern the increasing unauthorised use of its campuses and facilities for content creation activities, particularly by students.
“While the university encourages creativity and responsible self-expression, it has become evident that some of the content being produced is offensive, inappropriate and misrepresents the values and image of the institution.”
LASU noted that the warning became expedient as the growing trend of unchecked content creation on its campuses was capable of “causing reputational damage and undermining the university’s standing as a respected centre of learning and character development.”
The management, therefore, directed that anyone who desires to engage in shooting or cinematographic activities on any of the university’s campuses must henceforth obtain the university’s prior approval.
The directive, it noted, covers skits, vox pops, short films, promotional videos, and any form of audiovisual recording within the university premises, hostels, or adjoining facilities.
“As a responsible institution that holds its reputation in high regard, and in its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the university environment as a hub of knowledge, research and innovation, the university hereby issues the following directive:
“All individuals, including students, staff and members of the general public, who wish to engage in cinematographic activities on any of the university’s campuses must, henceforth, obtain prior approval from the Centre for Information and Public Relations of the university,” the statement read.
LASU also banned the use of drones on campus without formal authorisation from its security department, citing safety and privacy concerns.
