Iseyin Community Raises Alarm Over Alleged Academic Neglect at LAUTECH Agric College, Iseyin

The Iseyin community and students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus, have raised serious concerns over what they described as deliberate actions by some lecturers and staff aimed at frustrating academic activities and undermining the growth of the newly established campus.

Speaking under the umbrella of the Iseyin Development Union (IDU), community leaders accused a group of lecturers—allegedly led by the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences—of sabotaging efforts by both the government and host community to ensure stability, quality teaching, and sustainable development at the Iseyin campus.

The allegations were made on Monday during a press conference held at the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyinland. Addressing journalists, the National President of the IDU, Alhaji Mubasiru Azeez, first expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for relocating the College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources to Iseyin and for approving the financial and logistical support required for its successful takeoff.

According to him, the relocation brought renewed hope to the people of Iseyin and the wider Oke-Ogun zone, while the community has continued to offer full cooperation and support to ensure the success of the institution.

However, the Union lamented that these gains are now being threatened by what it termed “unacceptable and deliberate neglect” by some academic staff members. It was alleged that since academic activities resumed at the Iseyin campus on October 13, 2025, several lecturers in key departments—including Crop Production and Soil Science, Crop and Environmental Protection, and Agricultural Economics—have failed to resume teaching duties.

The IDU further disclosed that only one lecturer reportedly showed up in each of the Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Animal Production and Health departments, while just four lecturers were said to be actively teaching in the Agricultural Extension and Rural Development department.

Alhaji Azeez noted that the situation has caused widespread anxiety among students and parents, stressing that the community had initially refrained from accusing anyone of sabotage, but said the pattern of events could no longer be ignored.

“The Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I, the Council of Traditional Chiefs, religious leaders, elders and the entire people of Iseyin remain deeply grateful to Governor Seyi Makinde for his uncommon goodwill towards our community,” he said. “Unfortunately, the actions of a few disgruntled individuals now threaten the future of our children and the credibility of this institution.”

The Union recalled that students were forced to protest on January 20, 2025, following prolonged teaching deficiencies. It alleged that more than half of the students had been compelled to return to Ogbomoso, where some were reportedly engaged in farm work on private livestock farms belonging to their lecturers and supervisors instead of receiving formal academic instruction.

Further allegations include the deliberate withholding of 400-level results of students currently in 500 level, allegedly to create frustration and provoke unrest. The IDU also claimed that a poorly coordinated timetable was deliberately designed, with multiple courses scheduled simultaneously in the same lecture halls, leading to confusion and overcrowding.

According to the Union, these actions culminated in unrest within the town on December 8, 2025, with claims that some lecturers instigated students and parents against the state government, encouraged litigation, and fueled negative narratives against Iseyin and the broader Oke-Ogun region.

The Union also alleged that despite students paying levies for 2025 farm practical's, no practical training had been conducted, while final-year students were allegedly subjected to the stress and financial burden of shuttling between Ogbomoso and Iseyin for project supervision, as some lecturers reportedly refused to relocate to the Iseyin campus.

“These actions show a blatant disregard for the welfare, safety, and academic future of the students, all in an attempt to blackmail the state government and frustrate the system,” the Union stated.

In a passionate appeal, the IDU called on Governor Makinde to urgently intervene, restore order, and ensure that all lecturers posted to the Iseyin campus comply fully with their academic responsibilities.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Tiamiyu Taiwo, who led a delegation of LAUTECH Iseyin campus students, echoed the call for swift intervention. He urged relevant stakeholders, including the university management and governing council, to enforce compliance among lecturers, noting that students have endured prolonged hardship, uncertainty, and academic disruption.

The press conference concluded with a unified call by community leaders and students for immediate action to safeguard the future of the LAUTECH Iseyin campus and protect the academic dreams of its students.

Signed:

Alhaji Azeez Toyin Mubasiru, FCA, ACTI

National President,

Iseyin Development Union (IDU)