“We Were Treated Like Prisoners”: LASU Students Protest Against Dehumanising Treatment
Students of the Lagos State University (LASU), Epe campus, on Wednesday staged a protest against what they described as dehumanising and prison-like conditions allegedly imposed by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor O.T.F. Abanikannda.
It was learnt that the protesting students, mostly in their final year, converged on the campus in large numbers, chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate intervention from the university management.
In the viral videos, the visibly angry students could be seen carrying placards and calling for the removal of the Dean, whom they accused of subjecting them to forced labour, psychological intimidation, and inhumane treatment.
While speaking, some of the students alleged that they were compelled to stay and work on the university’s farm for over a month without access to proper accommodation, sanitation or medical attention.
“We were banned from entering our hostels and told we would remain on the farm till November or December. He said if we disobey him, he would make sure we fail or get expelled. This is not education; it’s slavery,” one aggrieved student said.
The situation, which had been simmering for weeks, reached a boiling point last Saturday when the Dean allegedly punished some students by making them stand in the rain for hours after they failed to complete a cassava planting assignment.
Only 25 out of the 54 final-year students reportedly showed up for the task, a turnout that the Dean allegedly interpreted as laziness and gross misconduct.
He was said to have delayed their dismissal until 3 pm before ordering them to remain in the rain without food or water until past 7 pm.
“He mocked us, told us we didn’t deserve three square meals, and warned that our results could be tampered with,” another student said.
Video clips showed students sleeping under makeshift shelters, apparently exhausted after hours of farm work.
Audio evidence also revealed the Dean berating the students for speaking to the press, describing their actions as rebellion. “You did what I love most yesterday. You are leading rebellion… I am trained to handle rebellion. A lot of you were not trained in your various homes,” he was heard saying.
He further threatened punishment for any student who continued to challenge his authority. “If you lead any rebellion, I will make you pay,” the Dean added.
Reacting to the development, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, confirmed that the management was aware of the situation.
“Many thanks for the information. The needful will be done,” she said in a brief message.
In a follow-up response, the VC disclosed that a panel had been constituted to investigate the allegations and assured the public that due process would be followed.
“Kindly let us do due diligence to this. You will not be disappointed,” she added.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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