LAUTECH Student Suspension: NANS Vows to Protest on Monday

The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has expressed deep concern over the suspension of several students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State. The students were suspended for their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest against the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. In a statement signed by the association's Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy; the General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde; and the Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, NANS stated that it does not encourage the breakdown of law and order but finds it troubling that students who raised legitimate concerns over a policy that directly affects their academic welfare are being subjected to punitive measures. The association noted that the affected students protested the abrupt implementation of a relocation directive which carries significant implications for their academic activities, transportation, finances, and overall welfare. NANS South-West is equally concerned that this development is occurring against the backdrop of the prolonged suspension of the Students' Union Government in LAUTECH. The association stressed that for years, assurances have been made regarding the restoration of student unionism in the institution, yet students remain without a properly functioning representative structure through which their concerns can be formally channelled. NANS considered the suspension of those students for four semesters excessive, disproportionate, and inconsistent with the principles of fair hearing, restorative justice, and democratic engagement within academic communities. The association, therefore, demanded an immediate review and reversal of the suspension of the affected students, an open dialogue between the university management and representatives of the affected students, a clear and time-bound roadmap for the restoration of the SUG in LAUTECH, and an end to all forms of victimisation, intimidation, and actions capable of suppressing students' rights to lawful representation and engagement. To demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, NANS South-West shall be leading a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, June 8, 2026, to engage the university management and relevant stakeholders on this matter. As stated by NANS, 'We received with deep concern the suspension letters issued to several students of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, over their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest concerning the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. While NANS does not encourage the breakdown of law and order, we find it troubling that students who raised legitimate concerns over a policy that directly affects their academic welfare are being subjected to punitive measures rather than constructive engagement.' The association remains hopeful that the management of LAUTECH will embrace dialogue over sanctions and demonstrate the wisdom expected of an institution committed to academic excellence, justice, and responsible administration.