The Lagos State University (LASU) has initiated an internal investigation into allegations of inhumane treatment of students by Professor Abanikannda, the Dean of the School of Agriculture, following a formal petition by the Lagos State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement.
In a letter dated May 20, 2025, and signed by the institution’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Emmanuel A. Fanu, the university acknowledged the petition and confirmed that the Vice Chancellor had ordered an official probe into the matter.
The university registrar Emmanuel A. Fanu wrote: “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.
“The 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.
“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding a safe and respectful learning environment, and we appreciate the role of the community in promoting transparency and accountability.
“Please 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.”
This development comes after SaharaReporters reported that final-year students of the Faculty of Agriculture from the institution, 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.
SaharaReporters gathered that 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 had 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.
This report prompted the Take It Back Movement, to write a letter dated May 18, in which the group accused Professor Abanikannda of subjecting students to degrading treatment, sparking outrage among students and activists.
In its petition, the Take It Back Movement demanded immediate intervention by the university and called for accountability.
Reacting to the university’s response, the movement, in a follow-up letter signed by its Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, expressed cautious optimism and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
“We appreciate the University’s prompt attention to the serious concerns raised,” the statement said. “We sincerely hope this matter will be addressed with fairness, transparency, and urgency in the interest of justice and the welfare of the students involved.”