By Olawale Lamina
Authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has reacted that a proposed lecture by Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, failed to hold at the institution on Saturday based on what it described as “short notice” from organisers.
Mr. Peter Obi was billed to deliver a keynote address at the university before joining the opposition parties political gathering in Ibadan, scheduled to commence later in the day.
Obi stated in a post on his X handle on Saturday, that the invitation was extended to him months ago and had made enough preparations. Despite arrangements being made, the lecture did not hold according to schedule following refusal by the university authorities to give approval for the venue at the last minute.
Obi politician who commands a large followers of youths in major cities of the country decried the situation which he noted represented an increasing strain on intellectual engagements within universities traditionally regarded as “ivory towers”.
“The reason Universities are regarded as an ivory tower,” Peter Obi emphasized is because it’s seen as centres for pure, isolated intellectual thought. It’s therefore worrisome when they are increasingly pressured to operate outside this norm,” he wrote.
“While such occurrences may be dismissed in isolation, it is important to state clearly that this has now happened more than ten times. This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians, ” he added.
Responding through a statement on Monday, the institution said categorically that it did not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the planned event, as a result of late notice and inability to complete necessary arrangements.
“The University authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme,” the statement reads.
The institution therefore informed that events involving high-profile personalities by default require adequate prior notification to enable proper logistics and security arrangements.
The statement emphasized that, “It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification to the University authorities because it will enable the institution to make necessary logistical and security arrangements in order to ensure the safety of the guest, members of the University community and the general public.
“Consequently, given the short notice and the attendant inability to complete these critical arrangements, the University authorities could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested by the organisers, ” a statement by the OAC stressed.
According to the university, its decision was hinged on decision taken “purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of University facilities”, and not as a reflection of disregard for Obi.
OAU vice-chancellor, Adebayo Bamire, reiterated that that the institution is committed to intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided due process is followed.
Similarly, the statement by the university urged compliance with established procedures in organising events on the campus.
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