When the news of the Coronavirus infection (Ikeja Lagos State and Ewekoro Ogun State linked?) in Nigeria broke by midnight on February 28, 2020, the Vice-Chancellor engaged the Director, Health Services, Dr. Amusan, in a dialogue on proactive and preventive measures to be taken in our University. Thereafter, the VC immediately contacted other Principal Officers and Experts for further contributions.
A Principal Officers’ meeting was immediately scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2020 to review all suggestions for preventive measures while harvesting and welcoming more suggestions
Management decided immediately to roll into action by buying sterilizers, antiseptic and other preventive health or hygiene materials, relevant for curbing the spread of what is seen as as a potential local epidemic but at the same time, evolving as a global pandemic.
The process to purchase these materials was kick-started by the Director of Health days before the Nigeria case of February 28, 2020.
Meanwhile, the University Management had earlier set up a Committee on Hostel Hygiene headed by Dr. Porbeni of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology and another one on Evacuation of Obsolete Items from Campus, headed by Dr. Adedeji of Environmental Management and Toxicology in 2019. The report on hostel hygiene is being implemented whereas the latter Committee evacuated a sizeable quantity of obsolete items found on campus, some discarded carelessly for years. These items are already been boarded in line with regulations governing disposal of obsolute materials and junks.
As a preventive measure against Lassa fever and other potential health challenges in our hostels, the university embarked on fumigation immediately the students vacated the hostels just as examinations ended in Janaury 2020. Although the outcome of the fumigation was satisfactory, the University Management has decided to repeat the fumigation.
Management also proposes to wash the hostels with water and antiseptic before students return. The issue of replacement of old furniture in hostel common rooms is also been tackled as part of the cleaning exercise to enable a fresh environment for our students when they resume.
Our Health Services Centre has also been appropriately fumigated.
Management also proposes to sensitize our students, (as soon as they resume from vacation), on the need for hygienic living in the hostels. We are happy to note that the vast majority of them are reachable and obedient to rules and regulations.
While we pray that we shall not have any health challenges arising from local epidemic/ or global pandemic, we plead that all hands must be on deck to support efficient handling of any emerging health challenge. Information given appropriately shall be of help.
Thank you.
God bless you
God bless FUNAAB
God bless Ogun State
God bless Nigeria
Prof. F. K. Salako – VC- FUNAAB
