The University of Ibadan community has demonstrated a remarkable show of solidarity with victims of the recent attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, raising about ₦6 million to support rescued schoolchildren, teachers and families affected by the tragedy. The intervention highlights the growing role of Nigeria’s academic community in providing humanitarian assistance beyond the classroom.
Findings by The Nigeria Education News show that the donation was made by serving and retired staff of the University of Ibadan through an ad hoc committee established to support the victims following the coordinated attack that shocked the nation.
The funds were presented on Wednesday at the Office of the Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, to rescued pupils, teachers and families of those who lost their lives during the incident.
The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, where more than 40 pupils and their teachers were abducted by gunmen. The victims eventually regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity, an ordeal that disrupted academic activities and left many families traumatised.
Findings indicate that the donation was funded through voluntary contributions from members of the University’s academic community, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Prof. Jonathan Babalola, professors and early-career academics. The initiative was coordinated by the University’s Ad Hoc Committee on Support for Oriire Rescued Abductees.
Chairman of the committee, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola, explained that the intervention was intended not only to provide financial assistance but also to assure the victims that they had not been abandoned by society. He noted that while the abductees had regained their freedom, many continued to face emotional, psychological and financial challenges requiring sustained support.
Findings further show that the gesture extends beyond emergency relief, recognising the long-term impact that violent attacks can have on children’s education, teachers’ wellbeing and the stability of affected communities. Survivors of prolonged captivity often require psychosocial care, educational reintegration and financial assistance to resume normal life.
The Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, Olubunmi Adisa, described the donation as a demonstration of compassion and a reflection of the enduring relationship between higher education institutions and the communities they serve.
The symbolic presentation of the donation was carried out by Prof. Adenike Emeke, Prof. Chinedum Babalola and Prof. Aina Adeogun, who represented the University community during the event.
Findings also reveal that members of the University community acknowledged the efforts of security agencies and the Federal and Oyo State governments in securing the victims’ release. They noted that the humanitarian intervention was intended to complement ongoing rehabilitation efforts rather than replace government responsibilities.
The donation comes at a time when concerns over insecurity around schools continue to shape national conversations on education. Incidents of school attacks have disrupted learning, displaced pupils and teachers, and increased anxiety among parents, particularly in vulnerable communities.
For many observers, the University of Ibadan’s intervention represents an example of how tertiary institutions can extend their impact beyond teaching and research by mobilising resources to support learners, educators and communities affected by crises, while reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding education.
