- Safiu Kehinde
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has said it stopped organisers of a lecture from using its Oduduwa Hall where Mr. Peter Obi was to speak because of safety and security concerns.
The OAU management were reported to have disapproved the event organisers’ request to use the Oduduwa hall for the lecture slated to hold last Saturday.
This had sparked mixed reactions from members of the public with some accusing the institution of embarrassing Obi.
Reacting in a statement issued on Sunday, the school management clarify the circumstances surrounding the disapproval of the proposed lecture.
The management cited safety concerns as it disclosed that they were not informed about the event until Friday which was a day before the proposed lecture.
They noted that hosting such a high-profile guest requires proper logistical and security arrangement which would have been made available if the organisers had notified them earlier than Friday.
“The general public is hereby informed that a particular group within the Students’ body extended an invitation to the former Presidential Candidate and two-term Governor of Anambra State to deliver a lecture within the University premises.
“The University authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.” The statemen
“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 partly read.
The OAU management further explained that the short notice made it impossible to approve the use of the hall for safety reason.
They maintained that the decision was not intended to disregard Obi.
“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.
“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.” They stated.
The management urged the students and the university community to always comply with laid-down procedures in planning events within the campus.
“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.
“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.” The statement read further.