The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the proposed lecture by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that it could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall due to procedural and security concerns.
This was made knopwn in a press statement shared on X by @TheGreatestIFE In a statement, the university explained that a group within the students’ body had invited the former Governor of Anambra State to deliver a lecture on campus. However, the authorities said they were not properly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until just a day before the scheduled event.
The institution noted that such high-profile engagements require adequate advance notice to allow for proper planning, including logistics and security arrangements.
“It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification to the University authorities because it will enable the institution to make necessary logistical and security arrangements, including proper liaison with relevant security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), in order to ensure the safety of the guest, members of the University community and the general public,” the statement read.
The university explained that due to the short notice, it was unable to complete the required arrangements, leading to the decision not to approve the request for Oduduwa Hall.
“Consequently, given the short notice and the attendant inability to complete these critical arrangements, the University authorities could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested by the organisers,” it added.
OAU stressed that the decision was taken strictly in the interest of safety and adherence to established procedures for the use of university facilities, and should not be interpreted as a disregard for the former presidential candidate.
“The decision was taken purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of University facilities, adding that it is not, in any way, a reflection of disregard for the person or status of His Excellency, Peter Obi, whom the University holds in high esteem,” the statement said.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to intellectual engagement and openness to hosting distinguished personalities, provided due process is followed.
“The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire is, and remains committed to supporting intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided that due process is followed and adequate notice is given,” the statement noted.
The university further urged members of the public and students to always adhere to laid-down procedures when organising events on campus, stressing that compliance is necessary for orderliness and institutional development.
“Members of the University community, students and the general public are therefore enjoined to always comply with laid-down procedures in planning events within the University because we all are partners in progress for the overall development of the University,” it concluded.