PRESS STATEMENT
Take It Back Movement Condemns Inhumane Treatment of LASU Students by Faculty Dean, Demands Urgent Action
Date: 18th May 2025
For Immediate Release!
The Lagos State chapter of the Take It Back Movement is deeply alarmed by recent reports of inhumane and degrading treatment suffered by 400-level students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Lagos State University (Epe Campus), under the supervision of Professor O.T.F. Abanikannda, the Dean of the faculty.
According to verified accounts, the students who have been engaged in compulsory farm work since October 12, 2024 were subjected to harsh and degrading punishment during a cassava planting session. Despite only 25 out of 54 students being present on the day in question May 17, 2025, those in attendance fulfilled their responsibilities. However, they were allegedly outpaced by 300-level counterparts, prompting complaints by supervisors to the Dean.
Instead of addressing the matter constructively, the Dean reportedly enforced punitive measures by delaying their dismissal from the farm until after 3:00 p.m. According to the statements and video obtained by the Take It Back Movement, students were made to stand in the rain in a straight line until around 7:00 p.m. while being subjected to verbal abuse and threats, including insinuations that their academic performance would be affected and mocking their living conditions.
Even more troubling, when students attempted to leave, they were reportedly forced to remain on the farm further for not saying “good night” to the Dean. Some being held until as late as 10:00 p.m while others were released at 11:00 p.m.
Such actions amount to emotional, psychological, and institutional abuse. They are an affront to the dignity of students and a gross abuse of authority. The treatment meted out is not only inconsistent with the values and mission of Lagos State University but also a serious violation of basic human rights.
We call on the Vice Chancellor and the university’s relevant authorities to investigate this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. We demand that appropriate disciplinary measures be taken to prevent future occurrences and to reassure the university community that such abuse will not be tolerated.
The Take It Back Movement stands in solidarity with the affected students and will continue to monitor this case closely. Our universities must be safe spaces for learning, growth, and dignity, not centers of intimidation and abuse.
Signed:
Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek (Scotty Aluta)
Lagos State Coordinator, Take It Back Movement
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