Hit-and-run driver kills LAUTECH student, varsity declares two-week break

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Iseyin campus, has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of a 200-level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Iseyin town.

The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, sparked a protest by students who took to the streets to express their anger over the rising cases of reckless driving and insecurity around the campus.

In response to the unrest and the emotional impact of the tragedy, the university management announced an immediate two-week suspension of academic activities at the Iseyin campus.

The institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Olayinka Balogun, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

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“The Management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, deeply regrets to announce the tragic passing of a 200-level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, who was fatally wounded by a hit-and-run driver in Iseyin,” the statement read.

“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over our university community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

“In light of this grievous loss, and in recognition of the emotional toll it has taken on our students and staff, the University Management has approved a two-week suspension of academic activities at the Iseyin campus, effective immediately.”

Mrs. Balogun added that students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources are to proceed on break, while academic activities will resume on Monday, November 24, 2025.

She further noted that officers on essential duties would be duly informed on when to report for work.

“We urge all students to remain safe, support one another, and honour the memory of their departed colleague,” the statement concluded.

The identity of the deceased student has not yet been officially disclosed, as the police continue investigations into the hit-and-run incident.

Hit-and-run driver kills LAUTECH student, varsity declares two-week break

Tinubu approves new Federal University of Science and Technology for Lagos

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology (FUSTECH), Epe, in Lagos State — a development that comes despite the federal government’s standing seven-year moratorium on creating new tertiary institutions.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during Thursday’s plenary session, revealing that Tinubu had signed the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe (Establishment) Bill 2025 into law.

“It is my honour to announce that the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe Establishment Bill 2025 has been assented to by Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akpabio said.

He added that the Senate had earlier transmitted authenticated copies of the bill to the President, who subsequently returned two certified copies bearing his signature.

“The Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, has come to stay,” Akpabio declared, congratulating the people of Epe and Lagos State.

The Senate President commended Tinubu for “opening the doors of education nationwide,” describing the new institution as a strategic move to expand access to specialized higher learning in science and technology.

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Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the bill, explained that the new university would focus on high-demand disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Civil Engineering, alongside Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science — fields critical to Nigeria’s industrial and digital transformation.

However, the decision to establish the university has raised questions, as it comes just months after the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Tinubu himself, announced a seven-year freeze on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

At the time, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, defended the policy as necessary to address under-utilization, inadequate infrastructure, and declining academic standards across existing public institutions.

“Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students,” Alausa had said. “If we want to improve quality and not be a laughing stock globally, the pragmatic step is to pause the establishment of new federal institutions.”

He also clarified that the moratorium covered both public and private universities, though nine private institutions were later approved after meeting the National Universities Commission (NUC)’s rigorous accreditation requirements.

Observers say Tinubu’s approval of FUSTECH may signal a selective relaxation of the freeze — particularly for institutions that align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on science, innovation, and technology-driven economic growth.

Education stakeholders are now watching closely to see how the new university will be funded and whether it will avoid the pitfalls of underfunding and poor management that have plagued many existing federal institutions.

Tinubu approves new Federal University of Science and Technology for Lagos

ASUU denies receiving N50bn revitalisation fund, warns of possible strike resumption

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected claims by the Federal Government that it recently released N50 billion as part of the promised revitalisation fund for public universities.

In a statement on Wednesday, the union said no such funds had been received, insisting that none of its major demands has been met ahead of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for November 8 and 9, 2025.

The statement, signed by Prof. Jurbe Molwus, recalled that ASUU suspended its two-week strike “in good faith” after assurances from top government officials that concrete proposals would be made to address lingering issues in the university system.

“But all we get is press releases by the Honourable Minister of Education. What we need is credit alerts and not misleading releases,” Molwus said, stressing that outstanding entitlements — including 3.5 months withheld salaries, wage award arrears, promotion arrears and unpaid salaries — remain unsettled.

He dismissed claims by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that N2.3 billion had been released to clear promotion and salary arrears, describing the amount as “grossly inadequate.”

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“Can a meagre N2.3bn settle the backlog of arrears in all federal universities? Absolutely not. That amount can barely cover three large universities,” he stated.

The union accused the government of misinformation, warning that its four-week ultimatum — which expires on November 21 — still stands.

“ASUU should not be blamed if it resumes its suspended strike in the next two weeks. Our members are losing patience as they wait for their legitimate entitlements,” the statement read.

The union declared a two-week strike on October 12 after accusing the government of neglecting staff welfare, infrastructure funding, and implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement. The federal government responded by directing universities to enforce a “No Work, No Pay” policy.

Following Senate intervention, lawmakers have pledged to open new negotiations with ASUU and relevant ministries, while also seeking resolution of the University of Abuja land dispute with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

ASUU insists that the strike was only suspended, not called off, and says the government must act “to avoid a total shutdown of public universities.”

ASUU denies receiving N50bn revitalisation fund, warns of possible strike resumption