Osun

Collapsed Amphitheater: OAU Students Cry Out Over Dilapidated Buildings On Campus, Seek FG’s Intervention

ByTijani Abdulkareem

PublishedMay 17, 2024

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have raised concerns over the dilapidated buildings on their campus.

In a press statement released by the OAU Students’ Union on Thursday, signed by Abass Akinyemi, President, and Akinboni Opeyemi, General Secretary, the union expressed serious concern about the poor condition of key structures in need of repair at the university.

The union said, “we however call on the federal government to pay serious attention to the funding of education most especially in the area of addressing dilapidated structures on our campuses.”

According to the statement, “the Great Ife Students’ Union is deeply saddened to report an unfortunate incident which occurred this morning at the Amphi theatre as a result of a whirlwind.

“It is sad to note that the whirlwind caused a damage to the ceiling covering at the Amphi theatre which sparked a collapse of some section of the ceiling resulting in injuries to a number of students who were in the SER 001 Class at the time.

“Our preliminary assessment indicates that approximately six students were affected, with varying degrees of injuries. Some sustained injuries to the head, others to the legs, and some have incurred injuries to other parts of their bodies. Immediate action was taken, and every arm of the school management swiftly responded to the emergency.

“We wish to assure the Great Ife community and the public that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected students. Those in critical condition were promptly transported to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) for urgent medical attention.

“We are relieved to inform you that all students who were admitted to the OAUTHC are currently in stable condition and are responding positively to treatment. The university’s medical team is providing them with the necessary care and support during this challenging time.

“The Great Ife Students’ Union extends its heartfelt gratitude to the entire university community, emergency responders, and medical personnel for their prompt response and dedication in addressing this unfortunate incident.

“As we continue to prioritize the safety and welfare of our students, we urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential safety hazards on campus.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected students for a speedy recovery, and we assure them of our unwavering support throughout their healing process. We however call on the federal government to pay serious attention to the funding of education most especially in the area of addressing dilapidated structures on our campuses.”