The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced plans to immortalize Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who lost his life while rescuing a colleague from a lion attack at the university zoo.

The University Registrar, Adetunji Bakare, made this known on Wednesday during a one-day workshop held at Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts, OAU, to mark the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s passing.

The event was organized by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) under the theme “Workplace Safety Awareness.”

NigeriaUpdates recalls that Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, while attempting to save a junior colleague who was attacked by a lion during feeding.

Bakare emphasized that the gathering was not to mourn but to celebrate Olawuyi’s bravery.

“We are not gathering to celebrate Olawuyi’s death, but his heroism,” he stated.

The registrar assured that OAU would preserve Olawuyi’s legacy and implement measures to enhance workplace safety, ensuring a safer environment for staff.

Calls for Renaming the Zoo in Olawuyi’s Honor

NAAT National President, Ibeji Nwokoma, described Olawuyi as a martyr who sacrificed his life to save another.

Represented by the immediate past National Treasurer, Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, Nwokoma urged OAU management to rename the university zoo after the late technologist.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Western Diamond Energy Limited (WEDEL), Reuben Temerigha, called for organizations to prioritize staff safety.

Represented by WEDEL’s Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Manager, Harry Ipalibo, Temerigha highlighted workplace injuries as a major concern.

He stressed that Olawuyi’s courage serves as a reminder of the daily risks workers face, emphasizing the need for improved safety policies.

“Workplace injuries and hazards remain a pressing challenge,” Temerigha said.

Proposed Workplace Safety Measures

To prevent future workplace tragedies, Temerigha suggested:

Comprehensive safety training programs

Strict enforcement of safety regulations

Implementation of advanced safety technology

Regular safety audits and risk assessments

Employee well-being programs

OAU’s commitment to immortalizing Olawuyi marks a significant step in recognizing workplace heroism while reinforcing safety measures for university staff.

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Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, over an alleged assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.

According to an official expulsion letter dated 13th February 2025, signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu, the university took action following the recommendation of the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).

“The Ag. Vice-Chancellor has received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee on the case of your assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations, particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).”

The letter further states that:

“Consequently, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor has, on behalf of the University Senate, approved the Committee’s recommendation that you be expelled, and you are hereby expelled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.”

It was emphasized that the expulsion is immediate, and the student must vacate the university premises without delay, returning any university property in their possession.

This development underscores the university’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and reaffirms its commitment to maintaining discipline within the institution.

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Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has initiated a full-scale investigation into an altercation between Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a 300-level student in the Department of History and International Studies.

The incident, which gained widespread attention on social media, has prompted a response from the university management.

In an official statement, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, emphasized the institution’s commitment to fairness and justice.

“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, and excellence, and in adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.”

The university called on all concerned parties and the public to remain calm while the investigation unfolds.

UNIZIK reaffirmed its stance on discipline and ethical standards within the academic community.

“Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards.

There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behavior within our community,” the statement added.

Further updates on the investigation will be provided as necessary.

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