The management of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, yesterday refuted allegations of negligence and complicity in the disappearance of one of its students, Oladipupo Siwajuola, recently declared missing by his mother, Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo.
The university revealed that Siwajuola left the school unlawfully, failing to follow established protocols or obtain proper clearance from authorities.
In a statement by the Director of Communication and Public Relations, Joshua Suleiman, Babcock University criticised the student’s mother for taking to social media to sensationalise the matter, accusing the institution and its students of negligence.
Suleiman stated that while the university was working with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), security agencies, student bodies, and concerned citizens to ensure the safety and return of the student, his mother resorted to spreading false accusations online.
According to Suleiman, Siwajuola was eventually found in Akute, Ifo Local Council of Ogun State, where he had been hiding. However, the university said it had not received official confirmation or denial of this information from the NPF.
“Let it be clearly stated that Babcock University is a responsible, faith-based academic institution that takes the safety, security, and well-being of its students with the utmost seriousness,” the statement read. Suleiman emphasised that the university’s protocols for student welfare, hall monitoring, and campus safety are firmly in place and regularly reviewed to address emerging challenges.
He condemned what he described as the “irresponsible and reckless use of social media” by Siwajuola’s mother, alleging that her actions were aimed at inciting public unrest and damaging the university’s reputation.
The university further stated its intent to seek legal redress for any reputational damage caused by the accusations, saying it “may not be hesitant to do so in due course.”
