The Nigeria Education News team was live on campus at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, Abeokuta, which serves as a study centre for the Lagos State University (LASU) Sandwich Degree Programme. Our correspondents gathered firsthand complaints from students who expressed deep concerns over their treatment by some lecturers at the centre.
During our visit, many students who chose to remain anonymous voiced their frustrations about the way they are consistently treated with disrespect. They alleged that some lecturers see them as less important than regular university students, often addressing them in a demeaning manner during lectures and academic engagements.
One of the recurring issues highlighted was the rejection of assignments and projects without clear or valid explanations. Students revealed that lecturers sometimes dismiss their work arbitrarily, leaving them frustrated and unsure of what corrections are expected. This, they said, has created an environment of confusion and discouragement among them.
While some students acknowledged that a few lecturers are professional, approachable, and supportive, the majority reported that they experience ill-treatment more often than not. This imbalance, they argued, makes it difficult to fully enjoy the learning experience that LASU Sandwich Programme is meant to provide.
According to the students, the perception of being treated as “second-class” learners is one of their biggest challenges. They stressed that despite paying tuition and undergoing the same academic rigour, they are made to feel less valued compared to full-time LASU students on the main campus.
One of the anonymous students said: “We deserve respect. We are here to study and earn our degrees, not to be made to feel inferior. Some lecturers treat us as though we don’t matter, and it is discouraging.” This sentiment was echoed by several others who spoke with The Nigeria Education News team.
Another major issue raised was the lack of proper communication between students and lecturers. Students alleged that lecturers sometimes change instructions without notice or fail to provide clear feedback on submitted work. This, they said, leaves them at a disadvantage, particularly those balancing studies with work and family responsibilities.
The Nigeria Education News team also observed during the visit that students looked hesitant and fearful when granting interviews. Many expressed concerns about victimization if their identities were revealed. This level of fear, they argued, shows the unhealthy nature of student-lecturer relations at the centre.
Some of the students we interacted with called on the university management to pay closer attention to the complaints coming from the study centre. They argued that unless these issues are addressed, the reputation of the LASU Sandwich Programme could be affected, leading to declining enrolment.
Interestingly, not all accounts were negative. A small number of students praised some lecturers for being committed to their academic growth, encouraging them in their studies, and showing empathy. However, they maintained that such lecturers were in the minority compared to those who allegedly harass or disrespect students.
The Nigeria Education News team also noted concerns about the rejection of projects. Several students claimed their final year projects were dismissed without sufficient explanation, forcing them to spend additional money and time repeating the process. They described this as both financially and emotionally draining.
In addition, the students lamented that they are not always given equal opportunities to express themselves academically. Some claimed that when they try to raise concerns in class, they are often shut down or ridiculed by certain lecturers, which further lowers their morale.
They therefore appealed directly to LASU authorities to investigate the allegations and implement reforms that would improve student-lecturer relations at the study centre. According to them, respecting students should be at the heart of any academic institution, whether for regular or sandwich programmes.
From our live coverage and direct interactions, it became clear that while the LASU Sandwich Programme has provided valuable educational opportunities for many, the students at FCE Osiele are grappling with challenges that need urgent intervention. Their collective voice sends a strong message: every student deserves dignity, fairness, and a conducive academic environment.
The Nigeria Education News team will continue to monitor developments at the LASU Sandwich Programme study centre in Osiele and report updates on the steps taken by the university management to address these pressing concerns.
