A tragic incident occurred at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, as scores of students were injured when heavy rain and a whirlwind caused the collapse of the Amphitheatre ceiling. The incident, which took place on Thursday, May 16, left many students attending lectures trapped under the wooden ceiling.
According to a source, two students are in critical condition following the collapse, which happened at Oduduwa Hall. The Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident, stating that the rainfall, coupled with the whirlwind, affected the ceiling, leading to its collapse and the injury of several students.
Olarewaju mentioned that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, promptly visited the injured students at the Medical and Health Centre of the University. Additionally, two other students with more severe injuries were taken to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) under the supervision of the Chief Medical Director, Professor John Okeniyi.
As a precautionary measure, the University management has sealed off the Amphitheatre until further notice. The Vice-Chancellor has appealed for calm among students and staff, urging them to continue their academic and administrative activities without disruption.
