In a significant move to support the University of Ibadan (UI) in the wake of recent flooding that resulted in the loss and destruction of valuables worth millions of naira, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced its commitment to provide financial assistance. The flooding, which affected at least 15 rooms on the underground floor of Awo Hostel, submerged students’ belongings, including essential books and personal items.
During a fact-finding mission, TETFund Board member Sunday Adepoju conveyed his empathy while touring the affected areas alongside the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Olapegba.
Adepoju emphasized the purpose of the visit, stating, “We have witnessed the impact of the flooding, but it was not as severe as portrayed in some media reports. However, we recognize the urgency of the situation and are prepared to take the necessary actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to education, Adepoju reiterated the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes support for educational institutions.
He assured the university community that TETFund would mobilize resources to address the immediate needs arising from the flooding.
In response to the situation, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Olapegba expressed gratitude to the TETFund delegation for their visit. He appealed for special interventions from both the Federal Government and TETFund, particularly in terms of ecological assessments and enhanced drainage systems.
“We need to enhance our infrastructure to ensure that we can better manage rainfall and avoid such disruptions in the future. The university administration remains committed to the welfare of its students and is working closely with TETFund to secure the necessary resources for recovery and to establish safeguards against future flooding events,” he stated.
The TETFund delegation also inspected other vulnerable areas within the university, including the Oba Dam, the UI Zoological Garden culvert, the Department of Forestry, and the Ajibode extension bridge, as part of their efforts to identify potential risks and develop proactive measures to mitigate future flooding incidents.