UNILAG confirms water contamination in female hostel

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The University of Lagos has confirmed contamination in water samples obtained from Moremi Hall, a female hostel, and advised members of the university community to boil water before drinking or using it for cooking pending the completion of laboratory tests on other hostels.

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The university disclosed this in an update issued on Thursday by the Head of its Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, following earlier reports of suspected contamination after students complained of vomiting and diarrhoea.

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On Wednesday, the university announced that it had begun a comprehensive assessment of its water supply system, including laboratory tests, after complaints by some students, particularly those in female hostels, about the quality of water supplied to their residences.

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Some students had reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

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The university spokesperson said preliminary laboratory results confirmed contamination in water samples collected from Moremi Hall, while analysis of samples from other halls of residence was still ongoing.

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The statement read, “Preliminary laboratory results confirm contamination in water samples obtained from Moremi Hall. Testing of samples from other Halls of Residence is ongoing.”

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The management said it had immediately implemented precautionary and remedial measures to contain the contamination and prevent any possible spread.

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It attributed the heightened concern partly to the institution’s location on wetlands and the ongoing rainy season.

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The university advised students and staff to use available water only for washing and sanitation, adding that water intended for drinking, cooking or other domestic purposes should be boiled until further notice.

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The statement added, “Immediate precautionary and remedial measures have been taken to contain and prevent any potential spread of contamination.

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“Given the University’s location on wetlands and the current rainy season, members of the University community should note the following: Use available water only for washing and sanitation purposes. Water intended for drinking, cooking, or other domestic purposes must be boiled before use until further notice.”

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The university also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or related health concerns to report immediately to the University Medical Centre for assessment and treatment.

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“Any member of the University community experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or related health concerns is advised to report immediately to the University Medical Centre for assessment and appropriate care,” the statement said.

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The university appealed for calm pending the conclusion of the ongoing tests.

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“Members of the University community are urged to remain calm and rely only on official University communication channels for verified information and updates.

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“Please refrain from sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary anxiety or panic,” it added.

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Earlier on Tuesday, the University of Lagos Students’ Union said it had been engaging relevant authorities and monitoring developments.

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In a statement signed by the Students’ Union President, Akinpelu Bolaji, the union said no definitive link had yet been established between the reported illnesses and the hostel water supply.

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“At this time, investigations are still ongoing, and no definitive link has been established between the reported health cases and the University’s hostel water supply,” the statement said.

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The union added that medical personnel at the University Medical Centre had indicated that the cases assessed so far had not been medically linked to the water supply and that some affected students resided off campus.

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“According to medical personnel at the University Medical Centre, the cases that have been presented and assessed thus far have not been medically linked to our water supply, and some of the cases involved students who live off campus,” it added.

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However, the union disclosed that an inspection conducted after reports of discoloured water in one of the hostel blocks revealed that the problem originated from a borehole serving the affected block.

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It said the university had immediately suspended water supply from the affected source and made alternative arrangements for students.

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