The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has refuted circulating reports alleging that the institution was shut down due to an attack by bandits.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the university Registrar, Mr Dapo Oke, the rumour was fabricated to spread misinformation and incite fear within the school community and the wider public.
Oke clarified that at no point did the university management order a shutdown, stressing that the campus remains secure and that both staff and students continue their academic engagements without interruption.
Oke urged the public to disregard the misleading publication, stating that the institution had not experienced any bandit-related incident.
The statement read in part: “The 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.
“TAFSUED management wishes to alert all stakeholders—students, staff, parents, alumni, and the general public—that this story is false, misleading, and intended to cause unnecessary panic.
“The alleged closure was said to be a result of a ‘recent invasion of Ijebu Ode by bandits’.
“We 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.
“We 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.
“We urge everyone to disregard this fake news and avoid sharing unverified information that could create fear and panic.
“Staff and students are encouraged to continue their academic and lawful duties peacefully.
“For accurate updates, please consult only the university’s official communication channels.”
This clarification followed shortly after the Federal Government directed the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges in response to escalating nationwide abductions.
According to Punch Online, the directive was conveyed through a circular signed by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The circular stated: “Sequel 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.
“Principals of the affected colleges must ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister.”
In the days since the Kebbi abduction earlier in the week, Taraba, Kebbi, Kwara, and Plateau state governments have also ordered partial or complete school closures amid the rising wave of bandit attacks and kidnappings.