Tension erupted at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus, as security operatives allegedly assaulted diploma students protesting their exclusion from the university’s direct entry admission list.

The affected students, who recently completed their diploma programmes with strong academic results, accused LASU of reneging on its earlier assurance to admit 200-level students into degree programmes.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protest, initially peaceful, descended into chaos when university security personnel intervened, using force to disperse the demonstrators. Videos circulating online show students being dragged, chased, and beaten, with several sustaining injuries requiring medical attention.

“We were only asking for fairness and transparency. We were told that a 3.0 CGPA was enough for admission. Now, LASU has suddenly raised the requirement to 3.5, leaving over 300 of us stranded,” one student stated.

Sources said that some affected students graduated with CGPAs ranging from 4.0 to 4.8 but were still denied admission due to the sudden policy change by the university management. Many had already purchased JAMB Direct Entry forms based on prior assurances.

Frustrated by unresponsive university authorities, students submitted letters to the Vice Chancellor, the Dean of Student Affairs, and the Lagos State Ministry of Education, and reached out to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, all without any response.

Unable to secure answers, the students staged a peaceful protest within the university, carrying placards reading: “We deserve fairness” and “Keep your promise, LASU.” Witnesses said campus security officers violently broke up the demonstration, reportedly hospitalising some students and causing emotional distress to others.

“We are not fighting LASU,” one protester emphasized. “We are only fighting for our future. If our departments are full, the university can at least offer us related courses. We just want to continue our education.”

The incident has sparked concerns among parents, students, and civil society groups over transparency in university admissions and the use of force against peaceful student protests.