Lagos State University (LASU) has begun an internal investigation into claims of mistreatment of students by Professor Abanikannda, the Dean of the School of Agriculture. This follows a formal complaint from the Lagos State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement.
In a letter dated May 20, 2025, and signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Emmanuel A. Fanu, the university acknowledged the complaint and confirmed that the Vice Chancellor has ordered an official inquiry into the situation.
Registrar Emmanuel A. Fanu stated, “I want to assure you that the university is taking the issues raised in your letter seriously and will address the welfare of our students with the utmost importance.”
This development follows an emerging report revealing that final-year students from the Faculty of Agriculture at Lagos State University accused the Dean, Professor O.T.F. Abanikannda, of subjecting them to degrading and inhumane conditions by forcing them to live and work like prisoners on the universityโs school farm.
The students alleged that they were made to sleep in makeshift shelters on the farm for over a month as part of their final project.
Campus sources described the environment as โprison-like,โ noting that students were barred from returning to their hostels and were subjected to grueling manual labor under threats of academic penalties.
In response to the allegations, the Take It Back Movement issued a letter dated May 18, condemning Professor Abanikannda’s actions and accusing him of degrading treatment of students, which has drawn widespread criticism from students and activists.
Excerpt:
“I am to assure you that the University is concerned about the issues raised in the referred letter and will treat the issues of the welfare of our students with all the seriousness it deserves.
โThe welfare of our students remains a core priority and is central to our academic and administrative values. In view of the issues highlighted in your letter, the University has instituted an internal investigation to ascertain the facts and ensure that due process is followed.
โWe reaffirm our commitment to upholding a safe and respectful learning environment, and we appreciate the role of the community in promoting transparency and accountability.
โPlease note that in the course of the investigation of this matter, the Panel may invite you for fact-finding. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Yours sincerely,” Fanu concluded.
About the Author
