LAUTECH, A citadel under siege?

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was established to provide a liberal higher education and encouragement for the rapid advancement of learning throughout Nigeria. For two consecutive seasons, 2003 and 2004, the university was adjudged by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) as the best state university in Nigeria. Today, the institution has done everything else but provide learning to its over 20,000 students who have been made to suffer untold academic hardship since 2016.

Ayodele Mabiaku (not real name) enrolled in the (UTME and post-UTME), for a four year programme, however, he is yet to successfully complete a full academic year. In fact he is still in his 100 Level. Several other students who have strong parental ‘backup’ have since taken solace in Ghana, Benin, Sudan and Dubai, where they have since graduated.

Take a look at the roll of the governing council; Visitor and Owner – Oyo and Osun State Nigeria, Chancellor – Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Pro-Chancellor – Professor Oladapo Afolabi, Vice Chancellor – Professor Adeniyi S. Gbadegesin. We also have erudite scholars on the Senate who know the benefits of education for all. How could these people fail in administering this citadel of learning? Failed they have! LAUTECH is owned by two state governments, Oyo and Osun State, Nigeria. Trouble started for LAUTECH in 2010, on the matter of ownership after Osun State acquired her own independent university.

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The government of Oyo State felt it was fair that Osun State transfer full ownership of the University to them but the other party disagreed. This conflict grew intense under the administrations of ex-Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State and his former counterpart ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State. The feud, which was suspected to have been ignited by political interests, is yet to be fully resolved. An adage says that when ‘two elephants fight, the grass suffers’. The primary beneficiaries of the ideals of the institution, the students, are now made to regret their enrolment in a once best citadel of learning.

The major crisis today is the institution’s funding from both owners, especially Osun State who have clearly declared that they do not have the funds to run the institution. Why then won’t Osun State agree to transfer ownership of LAUTECH to Oyo State for the purpose of peace and advancements? Osun State will even receive the reconciled balance which they can still inject into their own institution.

The university has refused to pay salary arrears, running into over 13 months, to its staff. Contractors and suppliers are owed huge sums. No serious research work had taken place in the past three years. Staff pension funds are unpaid. Students have remained on the same academic level for three years running, while parents have completely lost hope in the institution.

 Prince Kabir Olaoye

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