Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has explained that the delay in disbursing funds to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was due to pending institutional processes required to finalise disbursement under the Education Loan Scheme.
The agency confirmed that engagements are ongoing with the university’s management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rasak Olatunde Rom Kalilu, to resolve the outstanding issues and ensure the disbursement process was completed as soon as possible.
In a statement signed by the Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency said the disbursements were executed only after the completion of institution-specific validation and reconciliation requirements.
“In the case of LAUTECH, these processes were not concluded at the time of the last disbursement cycle. However, the fund confirms that engagements with the university are ongoing, with a view to resolving the outstanding issues and effecting payment as soon as the required steps are completed,” the statement said.
NELFUND noted that 12,733 verified LAUTECH students under the scheme should be allowed to sit for their examinations, as it remained fully committed to settling its obligations to the institution once the process was concluded.
It urged students and parents to remain calm, as no beneficiary would be disadvantaged.
In a related development, NELFUND confirmed the successful disbursement of funds to the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for eligible student beneficiaries under the Education Loan Scheme.
This confirmation follows an official acknowledgement letter issued by the university, signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), confirming receipt of two additional tranches of NELFUND disbursements covering 2,673 students, amounting to N230,599,250.
NELFUND said the funds were received this month and had been duly acknowledged by the university.
The statement said: “The clarification also becomes necessary following the circulation of a purported repayment circular, which the university has formally disowned, confirming that it did not originate from UNIBEN and that no repayment guideline has been issued.
“NELFUND reiterates that funds have already been paid directly to UNIBEN, and as such, no student is required to make any payment in connection with the loan scheme at this time. Neither NELFUND nor the Federal Government has authorised any individual, group, or institution to request payments from students or beneficiaries.
“NELFUND remains committed to transparency, accountability and collaboration with institutions to ensure eligible Nigerian students fully benefit from the Education Loan Scheme.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that his administration will create a special intervention fund to address infrastructure and academic gaps at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Iseyin Campus.
Makinde said this yesterday, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the state’s secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
He noted that the intervention would cover accommodation for students and lecturers; IT centre, healthcare centre, and buses to ease mobility.
The governor said the state had invested N15 billion in the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin campus.
He, however, warned that staffers, students and residents of the host community must shun indiscipline and actions that could heighten teething problems of the fledgling institution.
He added that his administration would continue to provide necessary support to the education sector in the state.
Makinde stressed that stakeholders, especially students and lecturers, must cooperate with the government and the governing council of the institution.
He urged students to always discuss their requests with the government, rather than resorting to protests, which could result in vandalism.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Razak Kalilu, commended the governor for solving the ownership issue and establishing the College in Iseyin.
He also commended the governor for the relocation of all students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Science from the main campus of the university in Ogbomoso to the Iseyin campus.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the students, Mr Israel Olaobaju thanked the governor for his recent visit to the campus, adding that it had birthed positive developments on the campus.
The Agunbiade family of Isale-Afon, Ogbomoso, has called on the Oyo State government to pay compensation for its land acquired for the establishment of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), alongside lands of other families.
In a statement signed by the family spokesman, Chief Adewole Adesina, the family explained that the old Oyo government took over the land around 1990, but no compensation has been paid to the affected families to date.
The family urged the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to revisit the matter, particularly in light of the compensation paid to the Osun State government, which co-owned the institution with Oyo until 2020.
According to the statement, the Agunbiade family’s land affected by the acquisition measures 400 acres.
The statement reads in part, “The Agunbiade family of Isale-Afon, Ogbomoso, is again appealing to the Oyo State Government to re-visit the issue of compensation to families who own the lands taken over for LAUTECH. For the Agunbiade family of Isale-Afon Ogbomoso, 400 acres of our land is affected. It is an ancestral land left to us by our forebears.”
The family noted that Osun state received compensation to the tune of N8billion over the dissolution of the joint-ownership, wondering why the families whose properties were taken over could not be compensated.
They submitted that the Agunbiade family had met all conditions put forward by the Oyo state Ministry of Lands including land surveying, a formal request and list of all items on the land claiming its 400 acre land is worth N2billion in value.
They therefore pleaded with the Oyo state’s helmsman, saying, “We are praying and pleading that Governor Seyi Makinde (GSM) pay us our dues. Some of our family members are dead since we re-energised our request for compensation. Government should not let their efforts be in vain.”
A DON Professor O. S. Bello, has challenged scientists and researchers to rethink the purpose and reach of academic research.
He spoke at the Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, second Departmental Lecture Series with the theme “Advancing Research Beyond the Shelves.”
Bello stressed that research should not be confined to library shelves or academic journals alone but should be actively disseminated and applied to address real-world challenges.
According to the don, advancing research beyond the shelves is essential for disseminating novel findings, fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration, solving societal problems, driving innovation and economic growth, improving evidence-based decision-making, strengthening public accountability and trust, and guiding future scientific inquiry.
He urged researchers to embrace digital dissemination and open-access publishing, leverage digital platforms and social media, and adopt multimedia approaches to communicate research findings more effectively.
Bello also highlighted the importance of collaboration with industry leaders and policymakers, as well as active participation in public outreach initiatives, media engagements, and community-based programmes.
Among them academics at the event were Prof. Julius Oloke; the University Librarian’s representative, Dr. Solomon; Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof A. I. Olugbenga Bello; Dean, Faculty, Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Waid Saka; and immediate past Dean of the same faculty, Dr. O. A. Afolabi.
Prof. Adesola of the Department of Physiology described the lecture series as a platform to promote intellectual engagement, collaboration, and unity within and beyond the university community.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the department’s vision of advancing scientific discourse and fostering collaborations that could translate research findings into societal benefits.
Delivering his opening remarks, Dr. Roland Akhigbe, the acting head of Physiology department and the host, lauded the guest speaker, Professor O.S. Bello, describing him as a foremost scientist whose achievements bring pride not only to LAUTECH but also to Nigeria at large. He emphasized that Professor Bello’s academic and research trajectory serves as an inspiration to young scholars and established researchers alike.
In their goodwill messages, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Mrs. A.I. Olugbenga Bello, and the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Waid Saka, commended the Department of Physiology for reviving the lecture series. They described it as a vital academic tool that should be emulated by other departments to stimulate institutional growth and national development. Dr. Saka recalled that the maiden edition of the departmental lecture series was held about 13 years ago, expressing optimism that the revived initiative would be sustained. “I am confident that this lecture series will contribute significantly to the advancement of our great citadel of learning,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the lecture delivered by Professor O.S. Bello, who challenged scientists and researchers to rethink the purpose and reach of academic research. He stressed that research should not be confined to library shelves or academic journals alone but should be actively disseminated and applied to address real-world challenges.
According to Professor O.S. Bello, advancing research beyond the shelves is essential for disseminating novel findings, fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration, solving societal problems, driving innovation and economic growth, improving evidence-based decision-making, strengthening public accountability and trust, and guiding future scientific inquiry.
He urged researchers to embrace digital dissemination and open-access publishing, leverage digital platforms and social media, and adopt multimedia approaches to communicate research findings more effectively. Professor Bello also highlighted the importance of collaboration with industry leaders and policymakers, as well as active participation in public outreach initiatives, media engagements, and community-based programmes.
Furthermore, he called on academic institutions and funding agencies to broaden their evaluation criteria by rewarding translational research and public engagement, rather than focusing solely on traditional academic publications. He advocated for the integration of entrepreneurship courses, innovation incubators, and mentorship programmes into graduate education to equip researchers with the skills required to commercialize their ideas. He also emphasized the need for training in patenting, licensing, and intellectual property protection as critical enablers of innovation.
At the conclusion of the lecture, the Provost, Professor Mrs. A.I. Olugbenga Bello, on behalf of the Acting Head and staff of the Department of Physiology, presented an Award of Recognition to the guest speaker in appreciation of his contributions. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. O.A. Afolabi.
Professor O.S. Bello is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and has consistently been ranked among the top two percent of scientists globally, according to reports by Stanford University and Elsevier B.V., Netherlands. His lecture served as a timely call for Nigerian researchers to ensure that scientific knowledge actively shapes society and drives sustainable development.
The Ladoke Akintola University, (LAUTECH) Iseyin campus has been thrown into a mourning mood following the death of a 200 level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics of the Institution.
The victim, whose name is yet to be made public, was fatally wounded by a hit-and-run driver in Iseyin town.
The incident has sparked off protest as the students took over the major streets in protest against the killings
The situation has resulted in the closure of the institution for two weeks by the management.
The Registrar of the Institution, Mrs Olayinka Balogun, who confirmed the incident in a statement said the management of the Institution has approved a two-week suspension of the activity at the Iseyin campus following the death of the victim.
The statement reads: “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.
“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.
“Consequently, all students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources are to proceed on a two-week break.
“While students will be expected back in their classrooms on Monday, 24th November, 2025 when academic activities resume, officers on essential services who may be required to be on duty will be informed in the usual manner.
“We urge all students to remain safe, support one another, and honour the memory of their departed colleague”.
Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and long-standing welfare issues.
The strike, which began on Friday, September 19, 2025, was declared by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Unit, after the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum earlier issued to management of the hospital.
A statement jointly signed by the Unit Chairman, Comrade Ojewumi Olutayo, and Secretary, Comrade Adedokun Foluwake, the association said, despite many engagements and reminders, no meaningful steps were taken to address their demands.
According to the union, Teaching Hospital workers have suffered systemic neglect, with their welfare consistently overlooked compared to counterparts in other state-owned health institutions in Oyo State who are already enjoying improved packages.
The nurses and midwives listed their key demands, which include immediate implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments with effect from January 2025, payment of promotion arrears from 2018 to 2024, recruitment of additional nurses to address severe staff shortages, and renovation and proper furnishing of nurses’ stations and restrooms to improve working conditions.
The union said the prolonged delay in meeting these obligations has created financial strain, low morale, and attrition of skilled personnel in the hospital.
They further noted that LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, being the only state-owned tertiary health institution in Oyo State, played a critical role as a referral centre for patients from Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and neighbouring communities.
The union warned that the strike could severely disrupt services for thousands of patients, including pregnant women, children, accident victims, and emergency cases.
The association called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene to ensure fairness and equity in staff welfare, adding that industrial harmony is key to sustaining quality healthcare delivery in the state.
They, however, reaffirmed their commitment to professional excellence and quality care; the nurses and midwives maintained that the strike would continue until their demands are fully met.
Authorities at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) yesterday said it is working with the police to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of a 300-level student of Agricultural Engineering of the institution, Ridwan Oladipupo which occurred off-campus.
A statement by the institution’s Registrar, Mrs Olayinka Balogun, the authorities expressed sadness over the mysterious death of the promising young man.
According to the Registrar, despite the fact that “the University is non-residential, it has a composition of all security agencies that carry out surveillance operations in the student dominated Off Campus areas, every night.”
She noted that from the information available, the deceased left his off-campus hostel to go to an undisclosed location to study on June 24.
Mrs Balogun further stated that when the Acting Dean, Student affairs of the Institution was contacted by the police DPO at Owode Divisional Police the following day on the discovery of a corpse, the identity could not be ascertained by the residents of the area or students after which the corpse was moved by the police to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital mortuary.
She said: “Efforts made by the Police and the Dean, Student Affairs to ascertain whether the deceased was a LAUTECH student did not yield much as neither students nor residents of the area could identify the body as at that time…It was gathered that the deceased’s father showed up at his Off Campus hostel on June 29, accompanied by a Police Officer and the occupants of the hostel were interrogated. Until now, however, there is still no official representation before the university.
“While stating that the University is saddened by the death of the student, the Registrar maintained that the matter is before the Owode Division of the Nigerian Police Force and the University will not want to jeopardize Police investigation.”
Authorities at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) on Wednesday said it is working with the police to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of a 300-level student of Agricultural Engineering of the institution, Ridwan Oladipupo, which occurred off-campus.
In a statement issued and signed by the Institution’s Registrar, Mrs Olayinka Balogun, the authorities expressed sadness over the mysterious death of the promising young man.
According to the Registrar, even though “the University is non-residential, it has a composition of all security agencies that carry out surveillance operations in the student-dominated off-campus areas, every night.”
She noted that from the information available, the deceased left his off-campus hostel to go to an undisclosed location to study on the 24th of June.
Mrs Balogun further stated that when the Acting Dean, Student affairs of the Institution was contacted by the police DPO at Owode Divisional Police on the 25th of June, 2025 on the discovery of a corpse, the identity could not be ascertained by the residents of the area or students after which the corpse was moved by the police to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital mortuary.
“The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso has unofficially learnt about the demise of Mr. Ridwan Oladipupo, a 300-level student of Agricultural Engineering in the Institution. He reportedly left his off-campus hostel at Lawyer Ahmed Street, Ogbomoso, on Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, when he said he was going to study without disclosing where he would be.
“On 25th June, 2025, the Acting Dean, Student Affairs received a call from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Owode Division of the Nigeria Police Force on the discovery of a corpse in front of Nurudeen Grammar School, along Under-G road, Ogbomoso.
“Efforts made by the Police and the Dean, Student Affairs to ascertain whether the deceased was a LAUTECH student did not yield much as neither students nor residents of the area could identify the body at that time. The Police moved the body to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Mortuary, and until that time, no official report had come to the university.
“It was gathered that the deceased’s father showed up at his off-campus hostel on Sunday, 29th June, 2025, accompanied by a Police Officer and the occupants of the hostel were interrogated. Until now, however, there is still no official representation before the university.”
“While stating that the University is saddened by the death of the student, the Registrar maintained that “the matter is before the Owode Division of the Nigerian Police Force and the University will not want to jeopardise Police investigation.’LAUTECH “
The Oyo State government on Monday said it has paid up to N5 billion to the government of neighbouring Osun State in full compliance with the agreement of sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Lautech), Ogbomosho.
Oyo Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in a statement, said that although the total takeover amount stood at ₦8 billion, the Oyo state government has been paying ₦1 billion per year and is expected to make the full payment before the end of the Seyi Makinde administration in 2027.
The Commissioner recalled that both states struck a deal on November 20, 2020 to cede LAUTECH to Oyo state.
Prince Oyelade said the joint ownership of LAUTECH was acrimonious between the governments of the two states from 2007 to 2019, when Governor Seyi Makinde took over but surprisingly reached an agreement with his Osun counterpart to make Oyo the sole owner of the Institution.
He added that, ever since, the institution has grown in leaps and bounds, reclaiming its position as the best state University in Nigeria.
He said, “The academic excellence in the wake of this development notwithstanding, LAUTECH has also expanded physically and in scope with the establishment of the LAUTECH Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iseyin campus.”
The Commissioner revealed that last Thursday, just as Governor Makinde approved the release of ₦1 billion to the Osun state government, he also released ₦650 million as a take-off grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Iseyin Campus.
He noted that the government has also commenced simultaneously, the construction of health centres and road networks at LAUTECH Iseyin campus, the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan and the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
Two distinguished figures in the theatre and film, Lere Paimo and Francis Onwochei, were honoured with the Award of Excellence in the Creative Arts at the 17th Convocation and 35th Founders’ Day Anniversary of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The award, instituted by the university’s Department of Theatre Arts, recognises individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.
Paimo, famously known for his iconic roles in Eda Onile Ola and Ogbori Elemosho, boasts a career spanning decades, with over 100 stage and screen performances to his credit. A recipient of the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) honour, Paimo began his artistic journey under the legendary Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo.
Onwochei, celebrated for his dynamic performances in productions like The Raging Storm, Saving Alero, and the classic soap operas Checkmate and Ripples, is also an accomplished producer and director with numerous accolades in the film industry.
Presenting the awards, LAUTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. R.O. Rom Kalilu, commended the honourees for their enduring impact on Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
He described them as shining examples for future generations of artists. He was joined by top officials of the university, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors Prof. A.T.J. Ogunkunle and Prof. D.O. Araromi, Registrar Mrs. Olayinka Olanike Balogun, Bursar Mr. Kehinde Olatokun, and University Librarian Dr. (Mrs.) Adefunke Sarah Ebijuwa.
The celebration featured a Cultural Variety Show and a performance of Ola Rotimi’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again, directed by Prof. Taiwo Oloruntoba-Oju, showcasing the university’s rich artistic tradition.
