Pictures of the devastation caused by the rainstorm on Friday…. Photo Credit: UNN PRO Unit
By Tony Adibe
A devastating rainstorm has reportedly caused significant disruptions in facilities and Infrastructure at the main campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
However, a statement issued on Saturday by Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, Acting Public Relations Officer of UNN, indicated that the management of the University has informed members of the university community and the general public of the impact of a severe rainstorm that practically “swept across the Nsukka Campus on Friday afternoon”, causing significant damage to some university facilities and infrastructure.
He said that the rainstorm affected many parts of the campus, with the most severe damage recorded at the Awolowo and Isa Kaita Hostels, where sections of the roofs were blown off. According to Egwu, the incident exposed some student accommodation areas to the weather elements and caused disruptions to normal residential activities.
He also said that a number of trees were uprooted by the storm as some “large branches fell across some roads within the campus, temporarily obstructing movement in some areas.” He, however, stated further that “fortunately, no loss of life has been reported, and efforts are ongoing to assess the full extent of the damage.”
According to Egwu, “The University Management has mobilized relevant units, including the Works Services, Taskforce on Environment, Security Unit, Directorate of Housing and Accommodations, and the Student Affairs Department, to clear the affected roads, and ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors.”
The statement further read: “The University has commenced a comprehensive assessment of the affected facilities with a view to undertaking urgent repairs and restoration works.
“Alternative arrangements are also being made to minimize inconvenience to students residing in the affected hostels. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, expresses sympathy to students and members of staff who were affected by the storm and assures the university community that management is committed to their welfare, safety, and security. He has directed all relevant units to expedite remedial measures and ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible.”
“The Vice-Chancellor appreciates the staff and students for staying calm during the emergency. He urges everyone to remain calm, exercise caution around the affected areas, and cooperate with officials carrying out recovery operations. Further updates will be communicated as additional assessments on the impact of the storm are completed.”
