Panic erupted at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on Friday evening when a student fell into a septic tank while attempting to fetch water from the Mozambique Hall of Residence.
According to eyewitness reports, the incident occurred as the student reached for water at the facility, leading to the unfortunate fall. In a concerning turn of events, another student nearby collapsed from cardiac arrest upon witnessing the fall.
The university’s Students’ Union issued a statement, signed by President Omoboriowo Isaac and Secretary General Babatimehin Kinfeosi, confirming that both students have since stabilized and were discharged from the hospital.
The statement described the incident as “extremely unsettling” and credited the rapid response from fellow students and the University Health Center for preventing further tragedy. The student who fell into the septic tank has been referred to the OAUTHC for ongoing medical care.
The Students’ Union emphasized the necessity for improved safety measures and infrastructure, urging university management to prioritize essential facilities in light of recent fee increases. “The welfare and safety of every Great Ife student remain our highest priority,” the statement read.
Additionally, the union sought to correct earlier reports, clarifying that only one student fell into the tank, while another experienced cardiac arrest but was successfully revived through chest compressions.
