A sudden rainstorm wreaked havoc at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, injuring four students as it tore through the popular Amphitheatre during a lecture session on Thursday.
Viral videos capturing the destructive force of the storm showed the roof of the lecture hall being ripped off, causing significant damage to the facility.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the incident unfolded while hundreds of students were gathered inside the Amphitheatre for lectures.
The abrupt storm, accompanied by strong winds, led to the collapse of a section of the hall’s roofing, creating a scene of chaos and alarm among attendees.
According to reports, four students sustained injuries during the ordeal and were promptly rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
The severity of their injuries was not immediately disclosed, but concerned members of the university community expressed hopes for their swift recovery.
One student, identified as Josh of OAU, provided firsthand details of the incident, highlighting the impact of the whirlwind on the Amphitheatre and the students within. He shared updates on social media, reflecting on the disruptive nature of the rainstorm and its toll on those present.
The university’s Association of Campus Journalists also documented the aftermath of the storm, capturing images that depicted the extent of the damage caused to the Amphitheatre’s roof during the lecture session.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, were unsuccessful as calls and messages seeking clarification on the incident remained unanswered.
In the wake of this destructive event, questions arise regarding the structural integrity of campus facilities and the safety protocols in place during adverse weather conditions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of educational institutions to natural disasters and underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard student well-being.
