A Nigerian grandmother was dismissed after finding a bracelet at LSE. Now over 70 staff and students are demanding justice. But what really happened? Click to read the full story.
United Kingdom – June 5, 2025 | All Facts Newspaper
The London School of Economics (LSE) is at the centre of a growing controversy following its dismissal of 71-year-old Nigerian-born grandmother, Janet Olufunke Damiro, who worked as a cleaner at the university for 13 years.
Her alleged offence? Forgetting to immediately report a bracelet she found while cleaning.
The incident, which many are calling a gross miscarriage of justice, has sparked outrage from colleagues, students, and her trade union, who are demanding her reinstatement and a full apology from the prestigious institution.
Janet, who arrived in the UK in 1971 and built a quiet, honest life, said she discovered a bracelet while on duty at the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre and placed it in her purse to keep it safe, intending to return it. Three days later, she was questioned by management, promptly returned the bracelet, and apologized.
But despite her clean record and immediate cooperation, Janet was suspended and then terminated in April for gross misconduct.
“I can’t sleep. I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life. LSE have treated me really badly,” Janet told Metro UK in a tearful interview. “It was my only job and I loved working there. I never expected to be dismissed. I did not steal this thing.”
She added, “I have been left without a job, without income, and without justice.”
Colleagues and Union Rally Behind Janet
Over 70 of her colleagues, including three supervisors, have signed a joint letter to LSE management, attesting to her integrity, work ethic, and professionalism. The letter reads:
“Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic. We confidently speak to her professionalism and dedication.”
Her union, United Voices of the World (UVW), has also launched an appeal and publicly condemned the university’s actions.
A UVW spokesperson said:
“It is ludicrous and absurd to conclude she was stealing. If you were going to steal, you wouldn’t bring the item back. Janet’s treatment is disproportionate to her mistake.”
Students Join the Fight for Justice
LSE students have also taken action, launching a petition demanding her reinstatement. The petition reads:
“It is deeply disturbing that LSE would seek such sweeping punishment for a minor mistake.”
Institution Keeps Silent
Despite public pressure, LSE has refused to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Meanwhile, Janet remains without a job and worries about how she will afford rent in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
As the campaign for justice grows, many are asking: Is this how a 71-year-old woman, with over a decade of loyal service, should be treated over an honest mistake?
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