SaharaReporters had reported that students of the Faculty of Agriculture at Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus, accused Prof. O.T.F. Abanikannda, of subjecting them to inhumane and degrading treatment during a recent farm work exercise.

The Lagos State chapter of the Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy organisation, has condemned what it describes as “inhumane and degrading treatment” of 400-level students of Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus, by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor O.T.F. Abanikannda.

SaharaReporters had reported that students of the Faculty of Agriculture at Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus, accused Prof. O.T.F. Abanikannda, of subjecting them to inhumane and degrading treatment during a recent farm work exercise.

The students alleged that they were left exposed to heavy rainfall, without food or shelter, for 16 hours as a form of punishment. 

SaharaReporters obtained video evidence and first-hand testimonies from affected students, all in their 400 level, who said they were forced to remain on the university farm from 6:30am until approximately 10:30pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

According to the students, only 25 of the 54 final-year students reported to the farm that day, where they were assigned cassava planting duties.

Meanwhile, their 300-level counterparts, reportedly numbering over 100, were able to complete their assigned plots much faster. This allegedly led to complaints from farm supervisors to Professor Abanikannda.

Instead of addressing the concerns constructively, the Dean is said to have escalated the matter into a disciplinary action against the 400-level students.

“He delayed our dismissal until after 3pm and later instructed that we must all remain on the field in the rain in a straight line till around 7pm,” one of the students told SaharaReporters.

Reacting to the developments, in a statement, TIB Movement, Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek said, “This is not only an abuse of power, it is a gross violation of the students’ dignity and fundamental human rights.

The movement stated that such treatment amounts to “emotional, psychological, and institutional abuse” and is incompatible with the mission of a university meant to be a safe space for intellectual growth. 

The group continued: “We call on the Vice Chancellor and the university's relevant authorities to investigate this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. We demand that appropriate disciplinary measures be taken to prevent future occurrences and to reassure the university community that such abuse will not be tolerated.

“The Take It Back Movement stands in solidarity with the affected students and will continue to monitor this case closely. Our universities must be safe spaces for learning, growth, and dignity, not centers of intimidation and abuse.”