The Rt. Honourable Sunday Adepoju, a Board Member of TETFund representing the Southwest, has reassured that TETFund as an intervention agency, was committed to ensuring the safety of both students and the community.
He gave this assurance during a visit to the University of Ibadan.
Honourable Adepoju explained that the visit was prompted by alarming reports about the University of Ibadan Awolowo Hall’s condition.
Rt. Hon Adepoju who reiterated that the situation was not as dire as reported, said “We have seen what needs to be done to prevent damage in Awolowo hall and other adjoining areas,” and assured that channelization would be given priority to avert disaster.
Other members of the TETFund team were Arch. Babatunde Olajide, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Engr Taiwo Lukman, Southwest Zonal Coordinator.
The team was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, fspsp, FNPA.
While leading the team from TETFund around the campus, Professor Olapegba clarified that Awolowo Hall was not submerged, describing the media reports as mere sensationalism.
Prof Olapegba explained that there was a random occurrence when a few rooms in the hall were flooded due to plastic waste that blocked the drainage.
He said the University management took immediate proactive measures to address the blockage and ensure future prevention.
The team also inspected other flood-prone areas within the university community and Ajibode extension and agreed that there was a need for further proactive measures to prevent disaster.
Professor Olapegba stated that areas such as Awba Dam and Ajibode Extension also require proper channelization to mitigate serious flooding risks.
He said the required channelization would be substantial and can not be financed solely by the University.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government and TETFund to provide special ecological intervention for the university.
Professor Olapegba said that the intervention would benefit not just the University of Ibadan but also neighbouring communities that could be severely impacted by poor water management.
