A nursing graduate, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, has accused the management of Open Distance Learning of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) of victimisation, administrative negligence, and failing to address concerns surrounding withheld academic results and fatal accidents involving nursing students.
On Tuesday, Olamide told SaharaReporters that she completed her final examinations in January 2025 alongside her colleagues but alleged that the names of some students, including hers, have yet to appear on the official graduating list.
“For over a year, we have made repeated efforts, through appeals, messages, and personal visits, to seek clarity. We have been ignored. Our questions have been met with silence, and our future has been placed on hold without explanation,” she said.
She described the prolonged delay as emotionally distressing, claiming it had forced affected students to make repeated long-distance trips to Ogbomoso in an effort to resolve their academic status.
According to her, one such journey from Delta State ended in an accident.
“The response of the school management to their suffering was deeply disappointing and lacked basic human concern,” she alleged.
Olamide further stated that students had previously appealed to the institution to decentralise its examination centres through satellite campuses or ICT-based systems to reduce travel risks.
“For over a year, we have made repeated efforts, through appeals, messages, and personal visits, to seek clarity. We have been ignored. Our questions have been met with silence, and our future has been placed on hold without explanation,” she said.She described the prolonged delay as emotionally distressing, claiming it had forced affected students to make repeated long-distance trips to Ogbomoso in an effort to resolve their academic status.
She argued that at a time when remote learning and online examinations are widely adopted globally, compelling students to travel long distances was both unsafe and unnecessary.She also raised allegations of financial exploitation, claiming that certain staff members, in collaboration with some class executives, subjected students to repeated extortion. According to her, whenever students demanded accountability, they were met with intimidation.
“In January, some students took the bold step of reporting these issues to anti-graft agencies, calling for an investigation into the handling of class funds. Rather than address these serious concerns, threats began to circulate,” she said.
Olamide further alleged that she personally received messages warning that her academic documents, including her transcripts and certificate, would be withheld unless a report published by SaharaReporters was taken down.
“My response remains the same: truth should not be silenced,” she said. The nurse also referenced a separate accident in February involving nursing students, which she said claimed eight lives, including six nurses and a pregnant colleague close to delivery.She described the institution’s response as delayed and insensitive, noting that it took more than 72 hours for an official statement to be released.
Despite these incidents, she alleged that students are still being required to travel under similar conditions, describing it as a disregard for human life.Olamide also claimed that she was removed from her class’s communication platform without prior notice and despite not committing any misconduct. According to her, the class representative justified the action by saying she was acting on instructions from the Head of Department.
“This is a clear violation of my fundamental rights and an attempt to silence dissent,” she said, adding that she believes she is being targeted for speaking out against alleged wrongdoing.She called on the Oyo State Government and the Federal Ministry of Education to launch an urgent investigation into the matter and ensure accountability.She also urged civil society organisations and human rights groups to take interest in the case.
“This is not just about me. It is about justice, safety, and dignity for every student who deserves to learn and graduate without fear,” Olamide said. “Silence in the face of injustice only allows it to grow. I refuse to be silent.”
Source: Sahara reporter
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