A severe rainstorm accompanied by heavy rain on Friday caused extensive damage to two female hostels and other facilities at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), leaving some students without accommodation, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Details of the Damage
The Dean of Students Affairs, Christian Ezeibe, told NAN on Saturday that the storm damaged sections of the Awolowo and Isa Kaita female hostels, affecting several students' bed spaces. He confirmed that all affected students have been relocated to alternative hostels on campus.
“All female students whose bed-spaces were affected by that rainstorm have been relocated to another hostel after that ugly incident on Friday,” Mr. Ezeibe said. He added that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, immediately directed the relocation of affected students.
According to the dean, over 20 students who provided details of their bed spaces to the student affairs department have been moved to other hostels.
Assessment by NAN Correspondent
A NAN correspondent who visited the Awolowo and Isa Kaita hostels observed affected students moving their belongings to the new accommodations provided.
The acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Inya Egwu, issued a statement saying the rainstorm caused significant damage to university facilities and infrastructure. “The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, causing significant damage to some university facilities and infrastructure. The storm affected many parts of the campus, with the most severe damage recorded at Awolowo and Isa Kaita hostels, where sections of the hostel roofs were blown off,” he stated.
The statement also noted that several trees were uprooted, and branches fell across roads, temporarily obstructing movement in some areas. However, no loss of life was reported.
University Response and Student Reactions
The vice-chancellor expressed sympathy to affected students and staff, assuring the university community that management is committed to their welfare, safety, and security.
Some students who spoke to NAN reported that personal belongings such as mattresses, clothes, books, and other items were damaged. Nevertheless, they expressed gratitude to the vice-chancellor and the dean of student affairs for providing alternative accommodation.
