The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has dismissed reports claiming that the institution was shut down over fears of a possible invasion by suspected bandits following recent kidnappings in parts of Oyo State.
The university described the report as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among students, parents and members of the public.
In a statement issued on Tuesday through the institution’s Registrar, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olalekan Fadeyi, said there was no truth in the rumour circulating about the alleged closure of the institution.
The statement clarified that the university remained fully operational and that academic activities, including ongoing examinations, were continuing without disruption.
“This is to strongly debunk the rumour making the rounds that the Management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has closed down the University for fear of invasion by bandits,” the statement read.
The management further reassured students, parents and guardians that there was no immediate reason to suspend academic activities or close the institution.
“This is to inform our students, their parents and guardians that there is no immediate reason for management of LAUTECH to close down the University, therefore the University is still in session,” the statement added.
The university noted that students were actively participating in their examinations as scheduled, stressing that the exercise would continue on Wednesday and subsequent days according to the academic timetable.
“As a matter of fact, our students are correctly writing their examinations, and the exercise continues tomorrow (Wednesday). Management regrets whatever inconvenience this unfounded rumour may have caused,” the institution stated.
The clarification followed heightened tension across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities after the abduction of teachers and pupils from some schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday.
The attack, which occurred around Yawota and Esiele communities, led to widespread anxiety among residents following reports of the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed groups within parts of the state.
The incident had also triggered concerns on social media, with rumours suggesting that some institutions in the area, including LAUTECH, might suspend academic activities over security fears.
However, university authorities maintained that there was no official directive or security report warranting the closure of the institution.
Security concerns have continued to dominate public discourse in Oyo State following the recent school abductions, with government officials and security agencies intensifying rescue efforts and surveillance operations in affected communities.
Meanwhile, residents and stakeholders have called for stronger security presence around schools and tertiary institutions across the state to prevent further incidents and reassure students of their safety.
