Flood Submerges UI Hostel, Damages Property Worth Millions, Student Union Responds

A flood has caused extensive damage to a University of Ibadan (UI) student hostel, resulting in the destruction of property valued in the millions of naira.

The flood impacted several rooms in Obafemi Awolowo Hall (Awo Hall) on Friday, particularly affecting Blocks A, B, and C.

Reports indicate that around 16 rooms on the hostel’s underground level were fully submerged, with students’ belongings—including documents, laptops, textbooks, food items, and other valuables—either displaced or floating in the floodwaters.

The University of Ibadan Students’ Union (SU) confirmed the incident in a statement co-signed by SU President Bolaji Aweda and Public Relations Officer Olumide Omotayo.

The SU informed the university’s administration, which has directed the Works and Maintenance Department and the University Student Lodgings Bureau (USLB) to take action.

The SU noted that temporary relocation arrangements have been made for affected students. The union also expressed sympathy for the victims and assured them that steps are being taken to resolve the issue.

“We commiserate with the residents of Awo Hall, especially those in Blocks A, B, and C, who have been affected by the flood due to heavy rainfall. We are in contact with the university management, who have directed the appropriate departments to intervene. In the meantime, hall management has arranged temporary relocation for the affected students,” the statement read.

The SU further urged students to avoid improper waste disposal and blockage of drainage systems to prevent future flooding incidents. The Students’ Union added that proper solution will be undertaken to ensure further flooding is avoided.