UNILAG Moves Fast as Students Report Sickness from Hostel Water
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has launched an urgent investigation into alleged water contamination in its hostels after students reported cases of vomiting, stooling, and skin reactions. The administration is rolling out immediate interventions and laboratory tests to protect the welfare of its community.
What Happened to the Water at UNILAG?
The alarm was raised by students, particularly those in female hostels, who noticed a serious decline in water quality. Reports of vomiting, stooling, and skin-related reactions quickly spread, pointing fingers at the campus water supply. Responding swiftly, the institution's Head of the Communication Unit, Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that the management is treating the matter with the utmost urgency.
We wish to assure all students, staff and members of the campus community that the matter is being treated with utmost urgency and seriousness.
How Is the University Responding?
Relevant departments have commenced a thorough assessment of the entire water supply system. Immediate measures are already in place to safeguard student health. The university has promised to share updates through official channels as soon as the investigation concludes.
Stepping up for the student body, the University of Lagos Students' Union, led by President Akinpelu Bolaji, has been engaging the authorities closely. In a statement released on Tuesday, the union clarified that no definitive link has been established yet between the reported illnesses and the hostel water supply.
According to medical personnel at the University Medical Centre, the cases that have been presented and assessed thus far have not been medically linked to our water supply, and some of the cases involved students who live off campus.
Where Did the Discoloured Water Come From?
While the medical link is still under review, the Students' Union uncovered a crucial detail during their inspections. Following reports of discoloured water in a specific hostel block, they traced the problem directly to the borehole serving that building. The institution acted immediately, suspending the water supply from the affected borehole and arranging alternative water sources for the residents.
When Will the Water Test Results Be Out?
Water samples collected from the hostels are currently undergoing laboratory analysis. The results of these critical tests are expected within the next 48 hours. The Students' Union has appealed to everyone to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions until the facts are on the table.
Are the sicknesses at UNILAG confirmed to be from the water?
No. The University Medical Centre states that reported cases have not been medically linked to the water supply, and some affected students live off campus.
What caused the discoloured water in the UNILAG hostel?
An inspection revealed that the discolouration originated from the borehole serving a specific hostel block. The university has suspended water supply from that source.