Settle With NUC Now, LASU Students Urge Authorities

Following the persistent threat from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to disqualify some courses and satellite campuses of the Lagos State University (LASU), students of the institution have urged the school authority to settle with the apex education body in the country.

The affected LASU students, who stand the chance of losing everything they have so far worked for if the NUC’s axe eventually falls on the institution, have called on all the authorities concerned to act promptly on the issue.

Although the case between the LASU and NUC is still pending in court, the fate of thousands of students seems to also be hanging in the air and they have been having sleepless nights over this.

The students who spoke with Campus Square, said they are more concerned because, out of all the institutions having similar problems with the NUC, the commission seems to be emphasising more on LASU, thereby raising speculations that the entire moves may be politically motivated.

“You see, there are other institutions affected with this NUC directive, but what has been bothering us is the fact that it is being portrayed as if it is only LASU that is affected. Whenever NUC talks to the press, they make LASU the sacrificial lamb. At times, I see the situation as a child of the political rivalry between the Federal and Lagos State governments.

“But whichever way it is, we want both parties to sheathe their swords, at least for the sake of the poor and innocent students, who have spent money and years in the university, trying to make a brighter future for themselves.

“It is true that when two elephants fight, the grass there will suffer. I can tell you authoritatively that the uncertainty surrounding this case has affected the morale of many students,” a student, Tunde Ilori said.

Also speaking with Campus Square, another student, who identified himself as Tony, said since the issue started, authorities of the affected LASU satellite campuses have been doing all within their reach to meet up with the required standards, “but we were surprised that during a recent press conference, the NUC was still saying that seven out of nine satellite campuses of LASU are illegal. I think it is wrong because when there is a pending case in the court, both parties are not supposed to be making unnecessary noise and all that.”

Meanwhile, other students who spoke with Campus Square have further pleaded with the school authorities and NUC to be considerate in all their actions.

“Most of us paid through our noses to get to this level, so what will now be the benefit of all the sacrifices we made? Where are we going to start from if our courses are scrapped? I just pray it doesn’t happen,” said Bose Akingbade.

The controversy between LASU and NUC has been on for some years now.