OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE — The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, is set to review the suspension of six students following the intervention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The development comes after widespread criticism of the university’s decision to suspend the students for four semesters over their involvement in a protest and the alleged unauthorized circulation of official university information on social media.
The affected students were sanctioned following a February protest against the university senate’s decision to transfer the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
According to the university, the disciplinary measures were approved after the Senate considered recommendations from the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC). The institution stated that the students were found culpable of participating in actions that resulted in the closure of the gates of the College of Health Sciences.
One of the students was separately sanctioned for allegedly leaking official university information on social media platforms.
The suspensions sparked reactions from student leaders, with NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, condemning the punishment as excessive and unfair.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Akinteye disclosed that he had held extensive discussions with the university’s Vice-Chancellor, leading to an agreement that the affected students would formally appeal the decision before the university senate.
He revealed that the senate is scheduled to meet on Monday to review the disciplinary action.
“I spent a significant part of today in discussions with the Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, during which we reached a mutual understanding that the affected students will file an appeal against the decision, and that the Senate will convene on Monday to review its resolution,” he said.
Akinteye urged students and supporters to remain calm and allow the university’s review process to take its course, expressing optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably.
He also commended the Dean of Students’ Affairs for his proactive approach and willingness to engage stakeholders in finding a solution.
Reaffirming his position on student activism, the NANS president emphasized that protests should only be considered after all avenues of dialogue and engagement have been exhausted.
“Aluta must be guided by consultation, consolidation and confrontation. Before confrontation, we must have exhausted the first two stages,” he stated.
The outcome of Monday’s senate meeting is expected to determine whether the suspensions will be reversed, reduced, or upheld, a decision that could significantly affect the academic future of the affected students.
