OOU Management Orders Probe After Midnight Fire Destroyed Academic Gowns

The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, has confirmed that a fire outbreak destroyed most of its academic gowns used for matriculation and convocation ceremonies.

It was gathered that the incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday, September 2, 2025, when a section of the Directorate of Students’ Affairs building was gutted by fire destroying property worth millions of naira.

In a statement by Dr. Wale Balogun on behalf of the Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs Division, the university explained that no lives were lost, but the academic and graduation gowns were completely destroyed.

The statement partly reads, “A devastating fire incident occurred at the Directorate of Students Affairs building on Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025, resulting in significant damage to valuables worth millions of naira.

“The inferno which occurred at the early hours of the fateful day gutted a section of the students Affairs building at the Main Campus of the university, where valuables that included the students’ academic/graduation gowns were kept.

“Even though, regrettably the entire graduation gowns were completely razed by the inferno, yet there were no injuries or casualties reported.

“This is due to the quick response from the Vice-Chancellor and other staff members of the University including that of the Works Directorate who rescued the situation.”

Following the incident, the university management has set up an investigative panel, led by a senior professor, to look into the cause of the fire and recommend ways to prevent future occurrences.

The committee has been asked to identify both immediate and remote causes and to provide a detailed report with safety recommendations.

The statement added that “This inquiry aims to gather facts, identify any contributing factors, and provide a comprehensive report and recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Members of the university community are, therefore, enjoined to contribute to this investigation by submitting memoranda outlining any observation or suggestion related to the incident and fire safety to the Secretary to the Panel via Whatsapp line: 08056066643 or E-mail: [email protected].

“Memorandum/Memranda in hard copies could also be addressed to The Secretary, Ad-Hoc Committee on Fire Incident, /o Registrar’s Office, Central Administrative (TetFund) Building, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye. Your input is invaluable as we strive to enhance our safety protocols and ensure a secure environment for all.”

The management also reminded staff and students to take fire safety seriously by switching off lights, unplugging appliances, and being alert to potential hazards in their offices and classrooms.

The statement further read, “Additionally, staff members are also being reminded to be vigilant and safety-conscious in their workspaces, by supporting relentless efforts of the

“Management at providing a safe and secured environment for every member of the University community.

“Staff and students alike are to ensure that all electrical appliances and devices are unplugged and lights turned-off before leaving the office and lecture rooms on daily basis (whether there is electricity supply or not), as precautionary measures and simple actions like these can significantly reduce the risk of fire hazards.”

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