The Management of the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, has cleared the air on a protest made by a group of students within the College premises in the early hours of Tuesday, 1st September, 2026.
The protest, which occurred at about midnight, was reportedly led by a small group of female students without the knowledge of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), which has consistently been carried along by Management in matters affecting students’ welfare and academic activities.
The Management wishes to state categorically that there has been no increase in the approved tuition fees of the returning students of the College. However, there has been a modest adjustment of some ancillary/other charges in response to prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of providing essential services and maintaining the College facilities.
The College, which is over 93 years old, remains committed to providing affordable health education and continues to maintain fees that are comparatively modest among other health training institutions in the country.
*CLARIFICATION ON WATER AND ELECTRICITY*
Management is also aware of allegations concerning the availability of water and electricity in the College. Available records indicate that these essential services were available on the evening of the incident until about 6:00 p.m., when Management and most staff left the premises.
The Management is, however, committed to ensuring that students enjoy a conducive learning and living environment and will continue to address genuine challenges affecting their welfare.
*HOSTEL HYGIENE AND BEDBUG ALLEGATIONS*
With regard to allegations of bedbug infestation in the hostels, Management wishes to clarify that the College routinely fumigates its hostel facilities on a quarterly basis through the Environmental Health Department.
Furthermore, in January 2026, the College procured and distributed a completely new set of mattresses to replace the students’ existing mattresses.
Nevertheless, following the recent complaints, Management has directed that the hostels undergo additional comprehensive fumigation and other necessary maintenance interventions.
Students have therefore been directed to vacate the hostels temporarily to enable the exercise to be carried out effectively.
*ACTS OF VANDALISM AND THREATS*
Management is deeply concerned that what was presented as a protest against alleged welfare challenges reportedly escalated into acts of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour.
During the incident, some of the students reportedly appeared outside wearing only their underwear and vandalised the Students’ Union building and a College coaster bus.
The incident was promptly reported to the appropriate authorities and security agencies, and the situation was brought under control.
However , on Wednesday morning, 2nd September, 2026, threat messages were also found pasted on some buildings within the College premises, while anonymous threat messages directed at the Management were circulated on social media.
These developments are being treated seriously. Investigations are ongoing, and the Management is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and identify anyone found to have participated in criminal or unlawful activities.
The Management will not allow any individual or group to exploit legitimate channels for expressing grievances as a cover for vandalism, intimidation, threats or any other act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the College.
*STUDENTS’ UNION GOVERNMENT REMAINS A KEY STAKEHOLDER*
Management reiterates that the Students’ Union Government remains an important stakeholder in the administration of the College and is regularly carried along on matters affecting students.
The College has established channels through which students can present their concerns, grievances and suggestions. Students are therefore encouraged to make use of these legitimate channels rather than resorting to actions capable of undermining the peace and reputation of the institution.
*MANAGEMENT ACTING TO RESTORE NORMALCY*
As part of measures to address the immediate situation, the Management has ordered the temporary closure of the College hostel for necessary repairs and further fumigation of the hostel facilities.
Accordingly:
Fresh students are expected to resume on Monday, 14th September, 2026.
Returning students are expected to resume for the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, 21st September, 2026.
Management urges parents and guardians to take note of these dates and counsel their wards on the importance of discipline, responsible conduct and respect for constituted authority.
The College remains committed to the welfare of its students and to providing a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning and professional training.
*GOVERNING COUNCIL REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR MANAGEMENT*
The Chairman of the College Governing Council, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan (Akoro), has expressed the Council’s strong support for the Management under the leadership of the Provost, Mrs. Oluyemisi Oyewo.
The Council Chairman has also cautioned staff members against any conduct capable of instigating students or contributing to crisis within the College.
He stated that any staff member found to be supporting or encouraging students to engage in unlawful activities would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the established rules and regulations, irrespective of the person’s position.
He further charged the Management to strengthen discipline and ensure that established institutional protocols are followed in addressing grievances and resolving disputes.
*CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY AND CALM*
The Management calls on students, parents, guardians, staff and other stakeholders to remain calm and responsible as the appropriate authorities continue their investigations.
Members of the public and the print, broadcast and online media are urged to disregard unverified reports, fabricated stories and insinuations designed to portray the College in a negative light or create unnecessary tension.
OYSCOHEST remains focused on its core mandate of producing competent health professionals and will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote academic excellence, discipline, peace and sustainable institutional development.
Signed:
Mr. Sola Samuel Ojewole
Public Relations Officer
3rd September, 2026
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment