Panic in UNILAG as students contract COVID-19

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has been thrown into panic as some unidentified students have reportedly contracted the coronavirus virus.

Some students of the institution, who reside in hostels on campus were reportedly confirmed infected with the virus.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe said the institution would soon make its position on the issue public.

Though, the identities of students involved and how they contracted the virus and the hospitals where they were tested positive are yet to be ascertained, it was learnt that the vice chancellor Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe had summoned an emergency meeting of the school’s Senate on the development.

The notice of the meeting which is scheduled to be held at the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium is expected to discuss the need for students to vacate the halls of residence as well as resumption of virtual lectures.

The COVID-19 update issued by the university read, “The University of Lagos Medical Centre wishes to inform all members of the university community about what appears to be the start of a potential third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State.

“The executive governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, in his press statement, issued on July 11, 2021, stated that since the beginning of July there has been a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021, to its current rate of 6.6% as at the 8th of July 2021. This is with a concurrent increase in the occupancy rate at Lagos State isolation centres.

“The University of Lagos community has also been affected by this potential third wave, with an increase in the number of patients presented to the University of Lagos Medical Centre with flu-like symptoms which are similar to COVID-19.

“The medical centre hereby assures all members of the university community that all necessary actions in line with the federal and Lagos State government guidelines have been taken regarding this potential threat in our community.

“The medical centre will also return to providing emergency only services during this period, in order to protect all members of the community from potential infection within the facility.

“Despite this threat to the return of normalcy, pursuit of education and daily livelihood, it has become imperative once more to judiciously adhere to the following COVID-19 guidelines and protocols in order to curb the spread of this disease.”