LAUTECH students protest relocation of key departments

Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, have barricaded the institution’s main entrance in protest against the planned relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology departments.

The demonstration, which disrupted normal academic activities, saw hundreds of students blocking vehicular and pedestrian access to the campus while chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards expressing their grievances.

Student representatives say the university management made the relocation decision without adequate consultation with those who will be directly affected. They have raised concerns about the adequacy of facilities at the proposed new location, the distance from related departments, and potential negative impacts on the quality of their education.

“We are not against development, but such decisions must be made with proper consultation,” said a student leader. “Moving these critical departments without ensuring adequate infrastructure is unacceptable.”

The protesters are demanding that management suspend the relocation plans until comprehensive consultations are conducted with all stakeholders, including students, lecturers, and department heads. They are also calling for transparency about the rationale for the move and detailed information about the proposed facilities.

LAUTECH management has not yet issued an official statement, though sources suggest efforts are underway to engage with student representatives. Some examinations and lectures have been postponed due to the protest.

The LAUTECH Student Union Government has backed the protest, describing the relocation decision as ill-timed and poorly planned. Security agencies at the scene are monitoring the situation to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful.