University of Lagos has opened an investigation into allegations that water supplied to some student hostels may have been contaminated following complaints of vomiting, stooling and other health-related symptoms.
Concerns were raised by students, especially residents of female hostels, who questioned the quality of water being supplied and suggested it could be responsible for reported cases of stomach-related illnesses and skin reactions.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the institution’s Head of Communication Unit, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university said it had begun a detailed review of its water distribution system and would carry out laboratory examinations to determine whether contamination occurred and assess any possible health impact.
“The attention of the University of Lagos Management has been drawn to reports on the alleged contamination of the campus water supply in some halls of residence.
“We wish to assure all students, staff and members of the campus community that the matter is being treated with utmost urgency and seriousness.”
The university explained that relevant departments had already commenced checks on the water infrastructure and implemented precautionary measures to protect students.
“Relevant departments have commenced a thorough assessment of the water supply system, including necessary water quality tests, to determine the accuracy of the reports and identify any potential risks.
“Also, immediate interventions have been put in place to ensure that the welfare, health and safety of all students are adequately protected,” the statement added.
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Management assured students that findings from the investigation would be communicated through official channels.
Meanwhile, the University of Lagos Students’ Union said it had been engaging school authorities and following developments closely.
In a statement signed by Students’ Union President, Akinpelu Bolaji, the union noted that investigations were still underway and that there was currently no confirmed connection between the illnesses and water supplied in the hostels.
“At this time, investigations are still ongoing, and no definitive link has been established between the reported health cases and the university’s hostel water supply,” the statement said.
The union added that initial medical evaluations had not linked the illnesses directly to water consumed on campus and noted that some of those affected do not live in university hostels.
“According to medical personnel at the University Medical Centre, the cases that have been presented and assessed thus far have not been medically linked to our water supply, and some of the cases involved students who live off campus,” it added.
However, the union disclosed that an inspection carried out after complaints of unusual water colour in one hostel block traced the issue to a borehole serving that section.
“During inspections carried out on a reported case of discoloured water in one of the hostel blocks, it was discovered that the discolouration originated from the borehole serving that particular block.
“As an immediate precautionary measure, water supply from the affected source has been suspended, and alternative water supply arrangements have been put in place for residents of the block,” the union stated.
The Students’ Union also confirmed that water samples had been collected for testing and results were expected within two days.
“Furthermore, water samples from hostels have been taken for laboratory analysis to determine their quality and safety. We have been informed that the results of these tests are expected within the next 48 hours,” the statement added.
The union urged students not to panic or make assumptions until laboratory findings are released.