"We are the foundation upon which LASUSTECH is built” LASPOTECH SRC tells Sanwo-Olu; expresses displeasure with University Management

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• Laments over inadequate power supply
• Warns of segregation and crisis
• “My recent experience is the worst I have ever had” library user laments
• Management apologies for inconvenience

Safiu Kehinde, Adebayo Nurudeen, Olashege Anizat , &Kareem Afis

Lagos State Polytechnic’s Students Representative Council has  expressed their displeasure with the new University Management to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over inconvenience and alleged disregard of the Polytechnic students by the new administration.

In a Press Statement released on Monday by the Council and copied to the governor and other prominent officials within and outside the institution, the University was reported to have been experiencing inadequate power supply over time which made classrooms and library unconducive for the Polytechnic students, hindering their preparation for the forthcoming examination slated to commence later this month.

While admitting to the acceptance of the transmutation of the institution from Polytechnic to University, the Council, however, decried the inconveniences emanating from the development, revealing the blackout situation of the library complex which has being in persistence for over two weeks.

“It is with bereaved heart that Lagos State Polytechnic’s Students Representative Council and its entirety gravely express its displeasure over the new administration bestowed upon us on the basis of transmutation from Lagos State Polytechnic to Lagos State University of Science and Technology.

“Prior to this change of power, we accepted the institution’s transformation with good heart, putting in place necessary measures within our capacity to ensure our students also embrace the transition. But as we speak now, the situation of Lasustech/Laspotech is nothing to write home about as our students have being on the receiving end of the inconveniences emanating from this development.

“Since the inception of this new administration, our students have been confined to study in unconducive classrooms and lecture halls due to inadequate power supply. Our so-called library have been experiencing blackout for the past two weeks or more, making it difficult for our students to read ahead of the forthcoming examination which is less than two weeks away.” The statement read.

In the same vein, the council raised concern over segregation among the Polytechnic students and the coming university students which they warned may result to crisis.

They, however, pleaded with the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, to address the issue, stressing that the Polytechnic is the foundation upon which University was built.

“Further implication of this is the segregation between our students and the unborn university students which  is gradually manifesting. We have been perceiving constraints and limitations which is likely to result to a full blown conflict in the nearest future.

“It is on this note we humbly appeal to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to come to our aid in order to fulfil our promise towards the support of his second term ambition. If our students are not happy, there is no way we can declare our support. Besides, education is a priority that a State government should not handle with levity.

“On a final note, we also urge the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, to revisit the issue of LASUSTECH/LASPOTECH. As it is, Laspotech students are the majority on campus. Just as LACOST was the foundation upon which LASPOTECH was built, we are the foundation upon which LASUSTECH is built. Hence the need to accord to us the normal benefits students are entitled to enjoy. We should not be deprived of our rights as at when due.” The statement read further.

Meanwhile, the management had, earlier last week pleaded with the students and staffs of the institution over the inadequate power supply.

As contained in the Institution’s newsflash issued by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the management took cognizance of the situation while giving assurance of resolving it.

“Management is not unmindful of the erratic power supply to the University and the disruption of work in the building. Management plead with all staffs and students to bear with it as it makes effort to restore normalcy.” The publication read.

This, however, did not suffice some library users who expressed their displeasure over the current condition at the library complex.

 For Odumade Adebisi, a year one student from the Department of Statistics and Mathematics, the current situation is the worst he has ever experienced since he gained admission into the institution.

“My recent experience in the library is the worst I have ever had that almost push me to address the DSA to lay complain about the recent power failure but I couldn't summon the courage. I make use of the library to the fullest last semester and was able to attain 3.68 CGP. Since their is no steady power supply in the library it will affect the water and will lead to closure of toilet.

“The water supply in the library is also affect due to lack of power supply which most student (myself) really on the water cause it a good water to drink.” He said.

Odumade further revealed that some staffs are also complaining of the erratic power supply while stressing that he is  unprepared for the forthcoming examination due to the situation.

“I address one of my mentor in the library and he said even the staffs are also complaining about the recent happen concerning the power supply and every other thing in the library.

“Since I have not being able to use the library to the fullest I don't think I am ready for the exam that will be starting on the 21 of the month.” He added

 Similarly, Olumide Quowam, a Business Administration student, decried the uneasiness of studying under the current situation.

“The library I experienced two month ago is different from this library I am seeing now. To my experience, if you want to read and understand you have to sit at 90 degree and also under good ventilation because oxygen aids assimilation. The more the brain gain more oxygen, the easy it is to understand and assimilate.

“Now, reading in the library is more like reading under pressure because we are forcing ourselves to read under inconvenient environment.”

While identifying the unavailability of diesel as the major cause of the situation, Olumide appealed  the Vice Chancellor to work on the power supply

“Based on my observation, the library have two generating sets- one big Mikano and another medium . These generators have not being working due to lack of diesel since two week now. The only library function properly only if there is NEPA light.

“I am appealing to the VC to work on the power supply in order to enhance our reading ability under proper condition.” He added.