The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, have denied claims that the institution embarrassed former presidential candidate Peter Obi over a proposed lecture.
This clarification was made known in a press statement issued by the university’s public relations officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Sunday.
The statement explained that a group within the student body had invited Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, to deliver a lecture on the university premises.
According to Olarewaju, “the university authorities were not duly informed about the invitation or the status of the guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.”
He stated, “The university authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.”
Olarewaju emphasised that events involving high-profile personalities require adequate prior notice to enable proper planning and coordination.
He added that “such notice allows the institution to make logistical and security arrangements, including liaison with the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services, DSS.”
Olarewaju said, “This is necessary in order to ensure the safety of the guest, members of the university community and the general public.”
The statement noted that due to the short notice, “the university could not complete the required arrangements and therefore did not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event.”
He stressed that the decision was taken purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols and added that it was not a reflection of disregard for Obi, whom the university holds in high esteem.
The statement also stated that the Vice Chancellor, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to hosting distinguished personalities, provided due process is followed.
The university administrator urged students, staff and the general public to comply with established procedures when planning events within the institution.
