UI staff donate N6m to victims of Oyo school attack

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Retired and serving staff of the University of Ibadan on Wednesday donated about N6m to rescued schoolchildren, teachers and bereaved families affected by the coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, May 15, 2026.

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The donation was presented to the beneficiaries at the Office of the Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone.

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Chairman of the University of Ibadan Ad Hoc Committee on Support for Oriire Rescued Abductees, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola, who led the delegation, said the intervention reflected the academic community’s solidarity with the victims.

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PUNCH Online had reported that over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, on Friday, May 15, 2026. They regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.

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Speaking further, Ayoola explained that the donation was raised through voluntary contributions from the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; the Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Prof. Jonathan Babalola; professors; and early-career academics.

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He said the donation was intended to complement ongoing rehabilitation efforts and reassure the victims that they had not been forgotten.

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Ayoola said, “Our gathering today is both sombre and celebratory. It reminds us of the insecurity confronting our nation, but it also celebrates the triumph of humanity over terror.”

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He added that although the abductees had regained their freedom, many continued to grapple with psychological trauma, stressing that “sustained emotional, educational and financial support would be required to help them rebuild their lives.”

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Ayoola commended the Federal and Oyo State governments, as well as security agencies, for their coordinated efforts that led to the rescue of the victims.

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He specifically praised the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Special Forces, Nigerian Air Force Special Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre for their roles in the rescue operation.

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The don also commended the intervention of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for providing financial assistance to bereaved families and security personnel affected by the incident.

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Earlier, the Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, Olubunmi Adisa, described the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of compassion and social responsibility.

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“The academic staff of the University of Ibadan have redefined the relationship between the town and the gown. You have set another pace in humanitarian service. With this gesture, there is hope for Nigeria,” he said.

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The symbolic presentation was made by Prof. Adenike Emeke, Prof. Chinedum Babalola and Prof. Aina Adeogun to the rescued teachers, pupils and widows of those who lost their lives during the attack.

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Prof. Babalola, while addressing the beneficiaries, said the donation conveyed the academic community’s empathy and solidarity.

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“We are standing with you to let you know that you are not alone. We rejoice over your safe return and pray that God will continue to strengthen you.”

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