Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) on Tuesday staged a protest at the institution’s main gate in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, expressing opposition to the relocation of the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
The demonstration, which began in the early hours of the day, drew participation from students of the affected departments as well as supporters from other faculties. Protesters gathered at the university’s entrance carrying placards and chanting slogans, calling on the management to reverse what they described as a disruptive and academically detrimental decision.
According to student representatives, the relocation alters the academic structure under which the departments have traditionally operated. They argue that Anatomy and Physiology, as foundational medical science disciplines, are intrinsically aligned with the College of Health Sciences and should remain within that framework to preserve academic cohesion and professional accreditation standards.
Some students expressed concern that the move could affect curriculum design, research opportunities and clinical integration. They contend that being housed within the College of Health Sciences provides stronger alignment with medical and health-related programmes, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and practical exposure.
The protest temporarily disrupted vehicular movement around the university’s main gate, though security personnel were reportedly present to ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful. There were no immediate reports of violence or property damage.
University management has yet to issue a detailed public statement explaining the rationale behind the relocation. However, sources familiar with institutional restructuring processes suggest that such decisions are often linked to administrative realignment, resource allocation or broader academic reforms aimed at optimising faculty structures.
LAUTECH, located in Ogbomoso, is one of Nigeria’s prominent state-owned universities, known for its focus on science, technology and medical education. Institutional changes within its academic framework frequently attract scrutiny from students and alumni, particularly when they involve core departments tied to professional pathways.
Observers note that protests over faculty restructuring are not uncommon in Nigerian universities, where students closely monitor decisions that may influence accreditation status, employment prospects and the overall value of their degrees. In this case, students are calling for dialogue and consultation, arguing that affected stakeholders were not sufficiently engaged prior to the announcement.
Academic analysts point out that while Anatomy and Physiology are core health science disciplines, they also maintain strong theoretical foundations in biological sciences, which can justify placement within broader science faculties in certain institutional models. The impact of such a relocation, they say, depends largely on how curricula, laboratory access and professional accreditation are managed following the transition.
Students have urged the university’s governing council and state authorities to intervene and review the decision. They insist that maintaining the departments within the College of Health Sciences is essential for preserving academic integrity and ensuring continuity in training.
As discussions continue, attention will focus on whether LAUTECH’s management engages directly with student leaders to address concerns and clarify the implications of the restructuring. For now, the protest underscores ongoing tensions between administrative reform and student expectations within Nigeria’s higher education system.
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