The University of Lagos has confirmed contamination in water samples collected from Moremi Hall, one of its female hostels, and has advised students and staff to boil water before using it for drinking or cooking while laboratory tests on other hostels continue.
The update was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of the institution’s Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, following reports of suspected water contamination after some students complained of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Earlier, the university disclosed that it had launched a comprehensive assessment of its water supply system, including laboratory testing, after concerns were raised by students, particularly residents of female hostels, over the quality of water supplied to their accommodation.
According to the latest findings, preliminary laboratory analysis confirmed contamination in water samples obtained from Moremi Hall, while investigations into samples from other halls of residence are still ongoing.
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.”
The university said immediate precautionary and corrective measures had been introduced to contain the situation and prevent any possible spread of contamination.
Management also linked the increased risk to the institution’s wetland environment and the current rainy season.
As a precaution, members of the university community were advised to use available water only for washing and sanitation purposes and to boil water intended for drinking, cooking or other domestic uses until further notice.
“Immediate precautionary and remedial measures have been taken to contain and prevent any potential spread of contamination.
“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.”
The institution also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or related illnesses to seek immediate medical attention at the University Medical Centre.
“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 added.
The university appealed for calm and urged students and staff to rely only on official communication channels for verified updates.
“Members of the University community are urged to remain calm and rely only on official University communication channels for verified information and updates.
“Please refrain from sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary anxiety or panic.”
Meanwhile, the University of Lagos Students’ Union said investigations into the reported illnesses were ongoing and that no definitive connection had initially been established between the cases and the hostel water supply.
In a statement signed by the Students’ Union President, Akinpelu Bolaji, the union said medical personnel at the University Medical Centre had indicated that the cases examined at the time were not medically linked to the water system, noting that some affected students lived off campus.
The union, however, disclosed that an inspection carried out after reports of discoloured water in one hostel block traced the problem to a borehole serving the affected building.
It added that the university immediately suspended water supply from the affected source and arranged alternative water supplies for students.
