Updated: OAU Mourns, as 200-level Student Dies After Falling Into Soakaway, Management Speaks

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife on Wednesday, mourned the death of a part two (200 level) student, Heritage Ajibola, of the department of Linguistics and African Languages who accidentally fell into the soakaway this afternoon at Bver Hostel, Maintenance Hostels.

The young lady’s death was confirmed in a release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the union, PRO-elect, Ogunperi Taofeek popularly known as, Tao, on Wednesday.

The release described the promising student’s death as highly unfortunate.

The release read in part: “The Union mourns her. May her soul rest in peace. May God give her family, friends and course mates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“It must be noted that Heritage’s death was avoidable if the soakaway system was properly constructed and covered. It is saddening that this has happened despite the huge amounts of money paid by students for rent. The Management of the Hostel must answer for the death of Heritage.

“The Union is immediately demanding justice for Heritage, with a view to forestalling a possible reoccurrence of this” .

Reacting to the development of the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement released and sent to Vreporters.

Abiodun stated that the University Management is saddened by the “unfortunate incidence”.

The statement read in part: “When the news got to us, we immediately mobilised the fire men from the University, Osun State and the OAU teaching hospital who through concerted efforts got the student out. She was immediately taken to the OAU Teaching Hospitals Complex where she was certified dead.

“The Vice Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, who led his management team to the scene, sympathised with the students and commiserated with the parents of the deceased.

“Professor Ogunbodede, who described the incidence as tragic and unacceptable, promised to critically look into the circumstances that led to the student’s death and mete out appropriate sanctions against those involved or whoever is found culpable.

“The Vice Chancellor, therefore, appealed to the students to remain calm and law abiding as the police, who have been briefed, are also investigating.