A wave of outrage has followed shocking revelations that Professor O.T.F. Abanikannda, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus, allegedly subjected final-year students to degrading and harsh treatment during a recent farm exercise.
According to SaharaReporters, affected 400-level students reported being forced to remain on the university’s farm from 6:30am to 10:30pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, without food or proper shelter, while exposed to heavy rainfall. The punishment reportedly stemmed from complaints that the students were slow in carrying out cassava planting duties.
Only 25 out of 54 final-year students were present that day. After their juniors reportedly finished their tasks faster, farm supervisors raised concerns to the Dean. Instead of addressing the situation constructively, Prof. Abanikannda allegedly delayed the students’ dismissal, forcing them to stand in the rain in a line until late evening.
A student recounted:
“He delayed our dismissal until after 3pm and later instructed that we must all remain on the field in the rain in a straight line till around 7pm.”
The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, a Lagos-based pro-democracy group, swiftly condemned the incident. In a statement, State Coordinator Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek described the Dean’s actions as “a gross violation of the students’ dignity and fundamental human rights.”
The group called for urgent intervention by LASU’s Vice Chancellor and relevant authorities, urging a full investigation and disciplinary actions.
“Our universities must be safe spaces for learning, growth, and dignity—not centers of intimidation and abuse,” the statement emphasized.
The TIB Movement affirmed its solidarity with the affected students and pledged continued monitoring of the case to ensure justice.
As the university community reacts to the disturbing reports, demands for accountability are growing louder—raising concerns about institutional abuse and student welfare in Nigerian higher institutions.
