Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
OGBOMOSO, Oyo State — The management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has suspended six students for four academic semesters over their alleged involvement in protests held earlier this year and the unauthorised dissemination of official information on social media.
The disciplinary action follows demonstrations staged on February 17 and February 19, 2026, by students protesting the university senate's decision to relocate the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
According to the university management, the affected students were sanctioned after being found culpable of acts connected to the protests and activities considered contrary to the institution's regulations.
The controversy began after LAUTECH's Senate approved the transfer of the two departments during its meeting of January 21, 2026. The decision was subsequently communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Directorate of Academic Affairs. The university also approved the movement of non-medical staff attached to the departments to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences to facilitate career progression.
The decision triggered widespread opposition among students, particularly those studying Anatomy and Physiology, who argued that both disciplines are foundational components of Basic Medical Sciences and should remain within the College of Health Sciences. Hundreds of students participated in peaceful protests that disrupted movement and academic activities on campus.
During the demonstrations, students carried placards bearing messages such as "Don't Separate Physiology from Medicine" and "Protect the Integrity of Medical Sciences," expressing fears that the relocation could affect the academic identity of their programmes and future professional recognition.
While university authorities have maintained that the restructuring was approved through established governance procedures, the decision has remained a subject of debate within the institution and among education stakeholders.
The suspension of the six students represents a significant disciplinary measure and is likely to further intensify discussions regarding student activism, freedom of expression, and institutional discipline within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
As of the time of this report, the university had not publicly released additional details regarding the identities of the affected students or whether they would be entitled to appeal the disciplinary decision.
The development has generated mixed reactions among students and alumni, with some supporting the university's authority to enforce discipline, while others have questioned whether the punishment is proportionate to the actions that led to the protests.
Observers say the case is likely to attract wider attention within academic circles as debates continue over the balance between maintaining order on campus and protecting students' rights to peacefully express concerns over policies affecting their education.
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