The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Prof. Olumuyiwa Omotola Odusanya, has met with student leaders and representatives to address concerns surrounding the death of Umeke Emmanuel and the challenges of off-campus accommodation.
The meeting, attended by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Ademola Aderogba, brought together key student representatives, including presidents from various colleges: James Divine Chikamso (College of Applied Social Sciences, Banking and Finance), Afolabi Ambrose (College of Environmental Studies), Ogunrombi Michael (College of Agricultural Science), Adesanya Michael (College of Engineering), and Agbalah Gift Isaiah (College of Basic Sciences).
Also present were members of the LASUSTECH Consultative Assembly (LSCA), including Chairman David Gabriel, General Secretary Comrade Alli Sidiq, and Welfare Director, Comrade Balogun Mosunmola. Representing religious stakeholders was Rabiu Taofeek Adekunle, the Amir of the Muslim Students Association of Nigeria in LASUSTECH and the Vice president of LASUSTECH Christian Fellowship, Elijah Osofisan. The Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) was represented by President Ibrahim Habeeb Irewole and Ademuyiwa Balikis.
During the discussion, Prof. Odusanya expressed his condolences to Emmanuel’s family and urged students to remain calm as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We commiserate with the family, but we must maintain peace. There is no human action that can bring back the dead,” he said, advising students against actions that could escalate tensions.
Addressing the rising cost of rent and poor living conditions faced by students, the VC acknowledged their struggles and announced plans for the university to inspect off-campus residences to assess safety and habitability. However, he admitted that constructing a school hostel remains a major challenge due to financial constraints.
“We have plans for a hostel that can accommodate over 6,000 students, but funding is a major limitation. Currently, the project requires over ₦1.5 billion, which is not readily available,” he explained.
Student leaders highlighted their ongoing efforts to improve student welfare, engaging with landlords, estate agents, the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, and security agencies. They expressed concerns over high rent, poor maintenance by landlords, and general student living conditions.
In response, Prof. Odusanya advised students to be cautious when choosing accommodation, prioritizing safety over proximity to the school.
“There’s a need to be careful where you rent. Some areas may be closer to school, but farther locations might be safer, even if they require daily transport,” he stated.
The VC also cautioned students about excessive social media agitation, warning that misinformation or cyberbullying could have legal consequences.
“We understand your pain and agitation, but let’s not paint an image of unruly students. Let’s work together to find solutions rather than escalate tensions,” he added.
Student representatives, including UCJ President Ibrahim Habeeb Irewole, urged the school to prioritize hostel construction to reduce risks associated with off-campus accommodation.
Prof. Odusanya reiterated that while the university is committed to improving student welfare, disruptions due to protests or unrest could delay academic progress.
“Our goal is for students to complete their programs as scheduled. Let’s maintain peace and focus on lasting solutions.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining peace to avoid disruptions in the academic calendar.
“We don’t want a situation whereby a crisis will lead to the closure of the institution because our goal is for the students to finish their 300 level by July 2024/2025 and begin their final year by October 2024, finish that by June 2026, and commence their NYSC by November 2026. And we plan to have our celebration by February 2, 2027", he concluded.
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