Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, on Tuesday barricaded the institution’s main entrance in protest against the relocation of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
The protest, which disrupted movement in and out of the campus, saw students chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards to register their displeasure over the decision taken by the university authorities.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: “LAUTECH!!! Don’t Separate Physiology from Medicine,” “Protect the Integrity of Medical Sciences,” “Physiology belongs to Basic Medical Sciences,” and “We Won’t Be Silenced.”
The aggrieved students argued that the transfer of the department could undermine the academic structure and integrity of medical training within the university.
According to them, Anatomy and Physiology are foundational disciplines within Basic Medical Sciences and should remain under the College of Health Sciences to preserve professional standards.
An internal memorandum obtained in Ibadan revealed that the university’s Senate approved the relocation during its meeting held on January 21, 2026.
The memo stated that the Department of Anatomy and Physiology “as required” would be moved from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences.
The document, signed by Olayinka O. Balogun and copied to the vice-chancellor, further indicated that non-medical staff members attached to the department would also be transferred to the new faculty “for ease of career progression.”
“Consequent upon the approval of the Senate, I write to inform you that the Department of Anatomy and Physiology has been moved to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. Your support and cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition is highly appreciated,” the memo read.
However, the students insisted that the move was ill-advised and vowed to sustain their protest until the management rescinds the decision. They maintained that separating Physiology from core medical training structures could have long-term implications for accreditation, curriculum alignment, and professional recognition.
As of press time, the institution’s management was yet to make an official comment on the protest.
