LASU shuts down content creators after scary fake bandit attack

The Lagos State University has issued a strict warning to students, staff, and visitors against producing offensive or unauthorised skits on its campuses, following panic caused by a prank video that mimicked a bandit attack earlier this week.

The incident, which occurred on December 5, was sparked by a skit titled “Bandits Prank on Lasuites,” in which individuals dressed as bandits staged a commando-style invasion of the Ojo campus.

The performance triggered fear as students and passers-by fled, believing the attack to be real. The confusion lasted briefly before it was confirmed to be staged content.

In a statement on Friday, the university’s spokesperson, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, said LASU had observed the growing use of its premises for content creation that is “offensive, inappropriate, and misrepresents the values and image of the institution.”

She said while the university encouraged creativity, the trend of students using the campus for unapproved skits and videos had become capable of “causing reputational damage and undermining LASU’s standing as a respected centre of learning and character development.”

The university management has now directed that any individual seeking to shoot skits, vox pops, short films, promotional videos or any audiovisual content within the university premises, including hostels and adjoining facilities, must secure prior approval from the Centre for Information and Public Relations.

“As a responsible institution that holds its reputation in high regard, and in its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the university environment, the university hereby issues the following directive,” the statement read.
“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.”

LASU further announced a ban on the use of drones on campus without formal authorisation from its security department, citing safety and privacy concerns.