A devastating fire outbreak has gutted a section of the iconic Queen Elizabeth II (Queen’s Hall) at the University of Ibadan (UI), leaving students and staff in shock as authorities assess the extent of the damage.
We gathered that the incident occurred late Wednesday night, disrupting the lives of residents and raising concerns over campus safety measures.
We understands that the fire, which started around 11 p.m., consumed parts of the hall’s residential block, with students forced to flee for safety. Eyewitnesses report that the flames quickly spread, fueled by strong winds, before campus security and firefighters intervened to bring the situation under control.
According to source no casualties have been reported, but several students lost personal belongings, including academic materials, gadgets, and other valuables. The affected area has been cordoned off as university authorities investigate the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze might have been triggered by an electrical fault, but this is yet to be confirmed.
We gathered that the incident has sparked frustration among students, who have long complained about inadequate safety measures in the halls of residence. “We’ve been raising concerns about faulty electrical wiring and outdated fire safety equipment, but nothing was done,” a resident of Queen’s Hall lamented to us
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, visited the scene early Thursday morning to assess the damage. He assured students of the institution’s commitment to addressing the safety lapses exposed by the incident. “This is an unfortunate event, but we will ensure that affected students receive support, and we will intensify efforts to prevent future occurrences,” he said, according to us
We understands that displaced students are being temporarily relocated to alternative accommodations while cleanup and repair work begins. The university has also set up a committee to investigate the fire and recommend measures to enhance safety across all halls of residence.
Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the affected students, with alumni and stakeholders urging the university to prioritize infrastructure upgrades.
As the University of Ibadan comes to terms with this tragic event, questions remain about the adequacy of safety protocols in one of Nigeria’s leading academic institutions. Students and staff now look to the administration for swift action to prevent future tragedies.