Oyo State College of Education in Lanlate has been shut down indefinitely following a crisis between the Students Union (SU) of the institution and the management led by the Provost, Dr Jospeh Adeagbo.

The school’s Students Union’s President, Olaitan Muhammad who confirmed the development said it occurred after they embarked on protests over the alleged failure of the college to produce identity cards for students despite collecting money from them.

It was also alleged that students were attacked by dangerous animals during lectures because of the bushes surrounding the institution.

The school’s spokesperson, Adeniyi Jolaoso however countered the allegation and also alleged that the crisis was sponsored by the staff unions.

A statement released by the college reads –

“The college management wishes to assure that it charges one of the lowest school fees in the country, in consonance with the directive of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration and payment of all fees is made into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) of the Oyo State Government.

“So, there are no outrageous fees charged by the college. Any demand for any payment other than that into the Treasury Single Account should be reported immediately.

“Students are also encouraged to pick up their ID cards that have been lying down ready for collection at the Student Affairs office while those who are yet to undertake their photo capture for the student ID card should approach the schedule officer at the ICT and collect their ID card not later than one week after the capture.”

Recall that on Tuesday, the Governing Council of the College of Education, suspended the provost of the institution, Joseph Adeagbo, and the Dean of Students Affairs, S. A. Akinteye, over allegations by students.

The college is one of the six tertiary institutions owned by the Oyo State Government. During a protest on Monday, the students had called for the resignation of the two officials after numerous allegations were made.

President Olaitan Muhammed said –

“Our college has been in existence for more than fifteen years, but,it has been badly managed in the greater part of these years.

“Despite charging an outrageous sum of Three Thousand Naira (#3,000) cumulatively, the management has refused to issue any form of identification to students, exposing us to harassment and denying us scholarships opportunities.

“In the twenty-first century, students are unable to check their results online and print course forms despite paying for this every semester.

“We are required to pay Eight Thousand Naira (#8,000) in 100 level, and Three Thousand Naira in 200 and 300 level each, yet no noticeable development can be seen.

“The school environment is bushy and unkempt with dangerous animal attacking students during lectures.

“The Dean of Student Affairs who is expected to act as a father takes pleasure in having sexual relationships with female students and threatening to withhold student’s results,” my Olaitan said in the statement addressed to the students.”

Following the protest, the council in a statement by the spokesperson of the institution, Adeniyi Jolaoso, announced the suspension of the two officials and their replacements.

“The Governing Council at its emergency meeting held on Tuesday 10th November resolved as follows:

“Council appreciates the concerns of the students and as promised would attend to their complaints.

“Against the background of the issues and complaints registered by the students, the staff and the community, two investigative panels to look into the complaints have been put in place and all staff and students are to cooperate with the panels.

“Council has appointed Mr Falade as the Acting Provost and Mr Ogundele as the Director of Students Affairs with immediate effect.

“To allow the panels to work and to allow for resolution of some of the problems, the college will be shut down with effect from Wednesday 11th November 2020.”