March 3, 2026 | News
SUNTV Global Channel has learned that a nursing graduate of the Open Distance Learning (ODL) programme of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Thomas Abiodun Olamide, has accused the institution’s management of extortion, intimidation, administrative negligence, and withholding academic results for over a year.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Olamide alleged that she and several colleagues completed their final examinations in January 2025, but their names have yet to appear on the university’s official graduating list.
According to her, repeated efforts to obtain clarification through appeals, messages, and physical visits to Ogbomoso have yielded no positive response.
“For over a year, we have tried everything possible to get answers. We have been ignored, and our future has been placed on hold without any explanation,” she said.
She described the situation as emotionally and financially draining, noting that affected students have been compelled to make multiple long-distance trips to Ogbomoso to resolve their academic status.
Olamide recounted that one such journey from Delta State reportedly ended in a road accident, further raising concerns about the risks students face while travelling for academic-related issues.
She criticised what she described as the university’s failure to decentralise examination centres or adopt ICT-based alternatives, arguing that in an era of remote learning and online assessments, forcing students to travel long distances is both unsafe and unnecessary.
Beyond academic concerns, the nursing graduate also alleged financial exploitation within the programme. She claimed that certain staff members, in collaboration with some class executives, subjected students to repeated monetary demands, and that attempts to question the handling of class funds were met with intimidation.
According to her, some students reported the matter to anti-graft agencies in January, calling for an independent investigation. She alleged that shortly after, threats began circulating.
Olamide further claimed she personally received warnings that her academic documents, including her transcript and certificate, would be withheld unless a previous media report on the matter was taken down.
“My response remains the same — truth should not be silenced,” she stated.
She also referenced a tragic accident in February involving nursing students, which she said claimed eight lives, including six nurses and a pregnant colleague. She described the university’s response as delayed, alleging that it took more than 72 hours for an official statement to be issued.
Despite the reported tragedies, Olamide maintained that students are still required to travel under similar conditions, describing the situation as a disregard for students’ safety and welfare.
In addition, she alleged that she was removed from her class’s communication platform without prior notice, claiming that the class representative told her the decision was based on instructions from the Head of Department.
“This is a clear attempt to silence dissent,” she said, adding that she believes she is being targeted for speaking out.
Olamide has called on the Oyo State Government and the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently investigate the allegations and ensure accountability. She also appealed to civil society organisations and human rights groups to intervene.
“This is not just about me. It is about justice, safety, and dignity for every student who deserves to learn and graduate without fear,” she said. “Silence in the face of injustice only allows it to grow.”
As of the time of filing this report, the management of LAUTECH had not issued an official response to the allegations. SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
