In the wake of a harrowing incident at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, students and faculty alike have been urged to remain calm following an alarming occurrence during a lecture session at the Amphitheatre of the Oduduwa Hall.
Torrential rainfall accompanied by a whirlwind unleashed havoc on Thursday morning, causing the ceiling of the Amphitheatre to collapse, resulting in injuries to several students present, particularly those attending the SER lecture.
In response to the emergency, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, swiftly mobilized other key university officials to the scene and expedited the transfer of injured students to the University’s Medical and Health Centre for immediate medical attention.
A statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the Vice-Chancellor’s proactive measures, including personally overseeing the transfer of two critically injured students to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC). At OAUTHC, the Chief Medical Director, Professor John Okeniyi, supervised the medical interventions.
In light of the incident, the Vice-Chancellor has issued an appeal for calm, emphasizing the paramount importance of maintaining normalcy and continuing academic and administrative activities without disruption.
As a precautionary measure, the University’s management has decided to temporarily seal off the Amphitheatre, pending further assessment and necessary safety measures.
Amidst concerns over structural integrity and student safety, the OAU community awaits updates and assurances from university authorities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive safety protocols and infrastructure maintenance across campus facilities.
Stay tuned for further developments as the university endeavours to address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of its students and faculty.
