The Management of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has officially reacted to a viral TikTok video portraying the dilapidated state of the Omolayo Hostel, stressing that the building does not belong to the university. The institution’s statement followed rising concerns from students, parents, and the public who believed the hostel was part of EKSU’s facilities.
According to the university, the hostel in question is privately owned and situated outside the main campus. The management emphasized that, while the structure has historical links to EKSU students, it does not fall under the administrative or maintenance responsibilities of the university.
The Deputy Registrar and Head of the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun, issued the clarification on behalf of the institution. He explained that the video, which has attracted wide online reactions, unfairly put EKSU in the spotlight for neglecting a facility outside its jurisdiction.
“The attention of the Management of Ekiti State University has been drawn to a TikTok video circulating online, showing the sorry state of the Omolayo Hostel located outside the university campus,” Olofinmuagun stated. “We wish to categorically state that the hostel is not the property of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.”
The management, however, did not deny the significance of the hostel to the student community, acknowledging the philanthropic gesture of the late Dr. Lawrence Omolayo, who funded the construction of the facility years ago. The late Omolayo, a respected figure in Ekiti, built the hostel as part of his legacy to support students’ accommodation needs.
“While the university appreciates the philanthropic gesture of the Late Dr. Lawrence Omolayo, it cannot meddle in the family affairs of the highly respected Omolayo dynasty unless invited to do so,” the statement continued. This assertion underscores EKSU’s respect for the autonomy of private property owners, even when their legacies intersect with the institution’s history.
The viral video has stirred debate among students and alumni, with many lamenting the neglect of structures that once served EKSU’s student population. Some critics had called on the university to intervene immediately, unaware that the facility lies outside its official assets.
In response, EKSU has signaled its willingness to collaborate with the Omolayo family if they choose to renovate the property. “The Management of Ekiti State University is willing to collaborate with the family in undertaking repairs of the building, if so desired,” Olofinmuagun affirmed, presenting a possible way forward.
This gesture suggests that while EKSU cannot assume ownership of the hostel, the university recognizes its value as a potential asset for easing the accommodation challenges faced by students. Hostels within and outside the campus remain a major concern in Nigerian universities, where demand often outweighs available spaces.
Stakeholders in the education sector have commended EKSU’s transparency in clarifying the matter, noting that proper communication prevents misinformation that could tarnish the institution’s reputation. Social media reactions, however, reveal a continued push for collaborative efforts between private families and public institutions in maintaining student-friendly environments.
The controversy also highlights broader issues around infrastructure in Nigerian higher institutions. With limited government funding and increasing student populations, private interventions such as Dr. Omolayo’s remain critical. Unfortunately, without sustained maintenance, such interventions risk falling into decay, as seen in the viral video.
As EKSU distances itself from direct responsibility, the ball now lies in the court of the Omolayo family to decide whether to engage the university in restoring the building. For many, this partnership could become a model of how legacies can be preserved while still serving the needs of future generations.
The management concluded by reaffirming its readiness to work with stakeholders who share a commitment to student welfare and campus development. For EKSU, protecting its image while fostering collaboration remains a delicate but necessary balance in navigating public concerns around student infrastructure.
