UNILAG tests hostel water after students report vomiting, stooling

The University of Lagos has commenced an investigation into reports of alleged contamination of water supplied to some of its hostels following complaints by students of vomiting, stooling and other health concerns.

Some students, particularly those in female hostels, had complained about the quality of water supplied, alleging that it may have caused cases of vomiting, stooling and skin-related reactions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of the Communication Unit, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the institution said it had begun a comprehensive assessment of its water supply system, including laboratory tests, to determine whether the reports were accurate and identify any potential health risks.

The statement read, “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.”

According to the university, relevant departments have commenced a thorough assessment of the water supply system, while immediate measures have been put in place to safeguard the welfare and health of 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 university stated.

The management assured that updates would be communicated through official channels after the investigation.

Earlier on Tuesday, the University of Lagos Students’ Union said it had been engaging relevant authorities and monitoring developments closely.

In a statement signed by the Students’ Union President, Akinpelu Bolaji, the union said no definitive link had yet been established 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 statement said.

The union added that medical personnel at the University Medical Centre had indicated that the cases presented so far had not been medically linked to the water supply and that some affected students reside off 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,” it added.

However, the union disclosed that an inspection carried out after reports of discoloured water in one of the hostel blocks revealed that the problem originated from a borehole serving the affected block.

It said the university had immediately suspended water supply from the source and provided alternative arrangements for students.

“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 further revealed that water samples had been collected from hostels for laboratory analysis, with results expected within 48 hours.

“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 appealed to students to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions pending the outcome of the laboratory tests.