However, he lamented that the properties' destruction would have serious consequences, especially for researchers who require internet facilities for their academic work. He assured stakeholders that repairs and restoration of the affected facilities would start in earnest.
The Director of Computer Services and Information Technology, Dupe Ademola-Popoola, explained that some parts of the university community would find it difficult to access internet services for some days due to the havoc.
She expressed happiness that the mast did not fall on the building because some staff members were at work when the incident occurred. However, facilities worth hundreds of millions of naira were destroyed.
Ademola-Popoola explained that the mast of the Network Operating Centre, which housed several internet radios, was affected, causing several huge access points to be destroyed. She stated that the access points carry, transmit, and distribute internet across the campuses, which is why some parts of the university would be without internet service for the time being.
Some of the facilities affected include the Chemical Engineering Lecture Theatre, the Life Sciences Lecture Hall, the Department of Biochemical Engineering, the Computer Based Test (CBT) Centres, the Geology and Mineral Resources Department, electric poles, and the General Studies Division (GNS) Unit.
The university's management has started working on the affected facilities, with the repairs and restoration process expected to commence in earnest. The Vice-Chancellor has promised that all affected facilities will receive ultimate attention.
He also thanked God that no life was lost and that the incident did not occur when students were on campus. The university is currently on a break due to the federal government's directive, and all academic activities are expected to resume after the 2023 general elections.
Unilorin is one of Nigeria's top-ranking universities, known for its stable academic calendar and quality research output. The university has produced many notable alumni who are excelling in various fields globally. The recent incident is a setback to the university's reputation, and it is hoped that the repairs and restoration process will be done as quickly as possible to restore normalcy to the campus.