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After Adamant Relocation, LAUTECH Iseyin Students Protest Lack of Facilities, High Costs, and Neglect

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Months after the relocation of students to the Iseyin campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), the students have taken to the streets to protest against what they describe as a glaring lack of essential facilities. The protest, led by 400-level students of the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources in Iseyin, highlighted the absence of critical infrastructure for practical learning—a core component of their academic program.

Speaking to PIJAlance, a student who participated in the protest but requested anonymity expressed deep frustration over the situation. “We are in our final year, a stage where we should be immersed in practicals, especially in fields like livestock production. But there are no facilities here—no poultry farm, no piggery, no sheep or goat farms. These are fundamental for our studies, yet we have nothing. Meanwhile, all these resources are available in the main campus in Ogbomoso, unused. How does this make sense? How can we graduate as agricultural scientists without practical experience?”

The students’ grievances extend beyond the lack of facilities. Many cited the high cost of living in Iseyin as another major issues. “Transportation to the campus is expensive because it’s far from town. Accommodation is also unaffordable, with rents skyrocketing for substandard housing. Worse still, our lecturers are rarely available to teach us because they have to shuttle between Ogbomoso and Iseyin. This has disrupted our education,” another student lamented.

The relocation of students from the main campus in Ogbomoso to Iseyin began in 2023, despite widespread resistance from students, lecturers, and residents of Ogbomoso. Critics of the move had argued that new programs should be introduced at Iseyin instead of relocating existing ones, pointing out the inadequacy of facilities at the new campus. However, the state government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, insisted on the relocation.

Now, the pioneer students relocated to Iseyin are in their final year, grappling with challenges that many believe could have been avoided. A lecturer, confirming the protest, noted that the campus lacks the resources required to accommodate the students and their course needs. “The available facilities are insufficient for the students’ population and academic requirements. We raised these concerns earlier, but they were ignored. Unfortunately, the students are now bearing the brunt.”

Another student recounted how the absence of adequate facilities has disrupted their academic routine. “It’s been over three months since lecturers properly attended to us concerning our farm work. When they finally showed up this January, it was hours after the scheduled time. These delays are frustrating and unacceptable.”

The issue of accommodation also remains a pressing concern. Students described the exorbitant rents for substandard housing as exploitative. “Imagine paying ₦250,000 to ₦300,000 for a self-contained room without basic amenities,” one student said. To compound their plight, students claim the university has recently increased school fees by 70%, further straining their finances.

In the wake of the protests, the campus dean addressed the students and promised to engage the university management. However, the students remain skeptical, with many demanding immediate solutions to their challenges. “We feel abandoned here in Iseyin. How can we be expected to succeed under these conditions?” a student asked.

The situation at LAUTECH Iseyin underscores a growing frustration among students over the lack of planning and resources that accompany policy decisions affecting their education.

Read Also: After PIJAlance Story, LAUTECH Professor, Azeem Ige, Closes Reeking Poultry Farm in Residence

PIJAlance Magazine, is an independent public-centric journalism arm of PIJA Foundation that stands to tell stories connecting the masses to community justice and development. We always rebel against social injustice. Got a story you'll like us to publish, tip us in contact us.

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