Babcock confirms student alive after viral hostel incident

Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has confirmed that a student involved in a viral incident at one of its residential halls is alive and responding to treatment, dismissing reports circulating on social media that he had died.

The university made the clarification in an official statement on Monday, November 9, following public concerns over the incident, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, November 8.

The statement, signed by the Associate Vice-President, Communication, Media and Branding, Johnson B. Akintayo, disclosed that the student was receiving medical attention at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital.

According to the management, the incident was brought under control following the prompt intervention of the student’s roommates, whose actions prevented a potentially more tragic outcome.

The university, however, disclosed that the affected student and one of his rescuers sustained injuries during the incident and were immediately taken for medical attention.

It said the injured rescuer had been treated and discharged, while the affected student remained under medical care.

The institution also confirmed that the student’s parents had been contacted and were on campus to support him during his recovery.

Meanwhile, the university said it had commenced an investigation to establish the immediate and underlying circumstances surrounding the incident.

It explained that the investigation would help identify possible factors that contributed to the situation and determine appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.

The management urged members of the public and media organisations to avoid spreading unverified information or attributing causes to the incident while investigations were ongoing.

It also assured that appropriate support and guidance would be provided to facilitate the student’s full recovery and well-being.

Babcock University commended the roommates for their courage and swift intervention, while appealing for sensitivity and restraint in public discussions out of respect for the affected student and his family.

The institution reiterated its commitment to the safety, health and welfare of its students, assuring that it would continue to monitor the student’s recovery and take necessary steps to establish the facts surrounding the incident.