The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has turned down a request to make its flagship Oduduwa Hall available for a proposed lecture by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a press statement released by the institution, the university authorities clarified 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.”
However, the management noted that it “was not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme,” stressing that events involving personalities of such standing require prior notice.
According to the statement, “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 university added that “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.”
OAU emphasized that the decision “was taken purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of University facilities,” insisting 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 further reaffirmed that the Vice Chancellor, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, “remains committed to supporting intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided that due process is followed and adequate notice is given.”
The university therefore urged “members of the University community, students and the general public… to always comply with laid-down procedures in planning events within the University,” noting that all stakeholders are “partners in progress for the overall development of the University.”