Lagos State University (LASU) has formally acknowledged allegations of inhumane and degrading treatment of 400-level students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Epe Campus, reportedly under the supervision of Professor O.T.F. Abanikannda, the Dean of the Faculty.
The allegations were brought to public attention by the Lagos State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB).
In a letter dated May 20, 2025, addressed to the Lagos State Coordinator of the movement and signed by the University Registrar, Emmanuel A. Fanu, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, LASU assured the public that it is launching an internal investigation into the matter.
In response, the TIB Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, acknowledged receipt of the university’s letter in a formal reply dated May 22, 2025.
He commended LASU for its prompt attention to the serious concerns raised and welcomed the assurance of a thorough investigation.
“The Take It Back Movement remains committed to cooperating fully with the investigation process and is available to provide relevant information virtually to support a transparent and fair inquiry,” the coordinator stated.
He emphasized the movement’s hope that the university will act with fairness, transparency, and urgency in the interest of justice and the well-being of the affected students.
Earlier reports had revealed that final-year students of the Faculty of Agriculture at Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus, accused the Dean, Professor O.T.F. Abanikannda, of subjecting them to degrading and inhumane treatment by forcing them to live and work like prisoners inside the university’s school farm.
According to Saharareporters, the students were compelled to sleep on makeshift shelters within the LASU farm for over a month, as part of their project assignment.
Sources within the campus described the conditions as “prison-like,” adding that the students are denied access to their hostels and forced into intense manual labour under threats of failure.
“These are his project students, and that’s where they have been sleeping for over one month,” a source within the university told SaharaReporters.
“He said they must not go to their hostels—that they will remain there until they are done with their project, which might be till November or December.”
Video evidence obtained by SaharaReporters shows the students living under tarpaulin-like shelters in open fields, with no proper bedding or sanitation.
In the footage, students appear visibly exhausted as they recount being forced to carry out farm labour under harsh conditions.
This is not the first time Professor Abanikannda has come under scrutiny. SaharaReporters earlier reported how the same students were left in the rain for over 16 hours on Saturday, May 17, 2025, as punishment for failing to complete cassava planting duties.
Only 25 of the 54 final-year students reportedly showed up that day, with the Dean accusing them of laziness and using the opportunity to “discipline” them.
“He delayed our dismissal until after 3:00 p.m., and later instructed that we must all remain on the field in the rain in a straight line till around 7pm,” one of the students told SaharaReporters.
“We were abused, cursed, and threatened with failure. He said our results could be manipulated and mocked us, saying we weren’t even on three square meals.”
Students who tried to leave the farm were reportedly recalled by Professor Abanikannda and scolded for not saying “goodnight.”
The incident, according to sources, has instilled fear among the students, many of whom now feel trapped in an environment of intimidation.
In an audio recording obtained by SaharaReporters, the professor was heard threatening the students further after learning that the story had reached the media.
“You did what I love most yesterday. You are leading rebellion,” he said.
“You may have to go and crosscheck my background — I am trained to handle rebellion. A lot of you were not trained in your various homes, I’m telling you. I will do that… You will pay dearly for what you have done.”
In the audio, he continues, accusing the students of lacking societal values and vowing that anyone who leads a protest or reports him will face dire consequences.
“University education is meant specifically for those who fit to live in the society, and if you’re not ready to do that, you stay out of that society… If you lead any rebellion, I will make you pay.”
Leave a Reply