The University of Lagos has launched an investigation into allegations that water supplied to some student hostels may have been contaminated, following reports of illness among residents.
Students, particularly those living in female hostels, had raised concerns about the quality of water being supplied, claiming it may have contributed to cases of vomiting, diarrhoea and skin-related reactions.
Responding to the concerns, the university said it had commenced a comprehensive review of its water supply system and would conduct laboratory analyses to determine the safety of the water and ascertain whether there was any connection to the reported health complaints.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Head of Communication Unit, Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the management assured members of the university community that the matter was receiving urgent attention.
“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 statement said.
The university explained that relevant departments had already begun evaluating the water supply network while implementing precautionary measures aimed at protecting students’ health and wellbeing.
According to the statement, officials are conducting detailed water quality assessments to verify the allegations and identify any potential risks.
“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 university added.
Management further assured students that findings from the ongoing investigation would be communicated through official channels once available.
Meanwhile, the University of Lagos Students’ Union said it had been actively engaging university authorities and monitoring developments since the concerns emerged.
In a statement signed by the Students’ Union President, Akinpelu Bolaji, the union urged students to avoid speculation, noting that investigations had yet to establish any direct connection between the reported illnesses and the hostel water supply.
“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 union stated.
The union also cited information from medical personnel at the University Medical Centre, who reportedly indicated that the cases reviewed so far had not been medically linked to the water supply.
It added that some of the affected students do not reside on campus.
“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,” the statement said.
However, the students’ body disclosed that an inspection conducted after complaints of discoloured water in one hostel block traced the issue to a borehole serving that facility.
As a precaution, the university immediately halted water supply from the affected source and arranged alternative water provision for residents.
“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 explained.
The Students’ Union further revealed that water samples had been collected from various hostels and submitted for laboratory testing, with results expected within 48 hours.
It appealed to students to remain calm and await the outcome of the scientific analysis before drawing conclusions about the source of the reported illnesses.
