Abdulazeez Ruquoyah, Correspondent, LASU Conscience
In what seem like a joke and much to the bemusement of many students of Lagos State University, the Faculty of Art put a stop to the infamous anonymous that used to be a source of joy and pain to many students on campus.
Recall that in a letter that has circulated round various faculties and departments in the Lagos State University states that:
“The Faculty of Arts Board of Studies, at its Statutory Meeting held on Monday, 22nd September, 2025, received and considered a paper from the Head, Department of English through the Dean on the abuse of Anonymous App among students in the Department of English.”
This particular letter marked the end of an era of the Anonymous app in the Faculty.
The Vibe
Like many Gen Z students, we Lasuites seem to have been caught up in the trending craze—‘Anonymous.’ To us, it’s the new way to talk, tease, and tell secrets. From secretly telling your class crush you like her, to insulting a strict lecturer, and now, threatening someone with death?
This trend has over the years been a crazy topic among many students who count it all joy to have fun or throw shades behind an app that covers your name and only shares your thoughts.
What It Caused.
The thrill of being unseen, hiding behind a screen, and letting out confessions that hold so much power. Maybe it’s not as fun as we find it, especially when the laughter starts fading into fear. For the 100-level students of English, who were recently swept up in this ‘cruise’, it is safe to say that the camel’s back has been broken.
This usual fun game escalated when an anonymous student sent a message during the activity, highlighting an alleged misbehavior of Sofia Musa, the assistant HOC. In the message, the sender threatened Sofia, giving her a ‘last warning’. “I dey give you last warning, no let the next bi rip oh”, the anonymous message conveyed.
In response, the Assistant HOC responded, publicly, on the students’ platform, revoking the unknown sender’s negative words. With fear, anger, and confusion, Sofia recorded a voice note, insulting and cursing the sender of these threats
In this same fear, she took the matter to the Dean of the faculty to voice out her concerns. Sofia Musa explained her reasons for reporting to the dean before speaking to anyone else.
According to her, “The message itself was life partaking. This is not the first time, second, nor the tenth time my name pops up on the anonymous with slanders. Did I report it to anyone? No! So me taking that step is never too much”.
When asked if she suspected anyone who could be behind the message?, she said ” I see everyone as an enemy because of the majority behavior”. These are the emotions that come from the place of being virtually abused.
The Effect
Perceiving the magnitude of the issue, the Head of Class (HOC), Samuel Erinoso, also reported the issue to the Head of Department, who in turn informed the faculty.
This act of abuse and bullying aroused the attention of the Faculty board, leading to a ban on the use of Anonymous apps, among students in the Faculty of Arts, “The Board, thereafter, DECIDED that:
i. all students of the Faculty of Arts should, henceforth, desist from the use of Anonymous App;
ii. any student caught involved in the use of such App to harass, intimidate or oppress anybody would be made to face the full wrath of the law; and
iii. the use and abuse of Anonymous App is completely BANNED in the Faculty of Arts from the date of this meeting i.e. Monday, 22nd September, 2025,” the letter strongly stated.
Just as we do things for fun as students, we should never forget that a threat to life isn’t a joke or a side remark. For every comment has its recipient and the recipient has emotions. Let’s stay safe and respectful.
Zaynab Openiyi, Editor, LASU Conscience
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