The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has dismissed reports claiming the university was closed due to a bandit invasion.
The university Registrar, Mr Dapo Oke, made this clear in a statement released on Saturday.
Oke described the report as fake news deliberately designed to spread falsehood and sow panic within the university community and the wider state.
He explained that the management had never issued any directive to close the university and affirmed that the institution remains safe. All students and staff continue their academic activities as usual.
Oke urged the public to ignore the malicious and false publication, emphasising there was no bandit attack on the school.
The statement read in part: âThe attention of the university management has been drawn to false and malicious news circulating on social media about the supposed closure of the university due to a bandit invasion of Ijebu Ode.
âTAFSUED management wishes to alert all stakeholdersâstudents, staff, parents, alumni, and the general publicâthat this story is false, misleading, and intended to cause unnecessary panic.
âThe alleged closure was said to be a result of a ârecent invasion of Ijebu Ode by banditsâ.
âWe wish to state clearly that the university management never ordered the closure of the institution, nor directed any students to vacate their hostels at Ijagun or Ijebu Ode due to any form of invasion.
âWe firmly reassure all stakeholders that the welfare of our students remains our top priority, and that Ijebu Ode and Ijagun remain peaceful and safe. Academic and administrative activities continue as scheduled.
âWe urge everyone to disregard this fake news and avoid sharing unverified information that could create fear and panic.
âStaff and students are encouraged to continue their academic and lawful duties peacefully.
âFor accurate updates, please consult only the universityâs official communication channels.â
This clarification came shortly after the Federal Government ordered the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges in response to rising abductions nationwide.
According to Punch Online, the closure was announced in a circular signed by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The circular stated: âSequel to recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.
âPrincipals of the affected colleges must ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister.â
Since the Kebbi abduction mid-week, Taraba, Kebbi, Kwara, and Plateau state governments have either temporarily or fully closed schools amid the recent surge in bandit attacks and abductions.
