RUGIPO female hostel fire: Management begins probe

Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) investigates weekend fire at female hostel, vows stronger safety measures as students demand better protection.

The management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State, has opened an investigation into the fire outbreak that gutted a section of its female hostel over the weekend, as students and stakeholders continue to express concerns about campus safety.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, threw the institution into confusion as thick smoke and flames engulfed one of the female hostel blocks.

Eyewitnesses said personal belongings, including mattresses, books, clothing, and electronic appliances, were completely destroyed. The total value of items lost is estimated to run into several millions of naira.

Although there were no fatalities or injuries recorded, the fire left many female students displaced and emotionally traumatized.

Some affected students suggested that a suspected power surge from a nearby shop may have triggered the inferno, but the official cause has yet to be determined.

On Monday, the school’s Public Relations Officer, Olumide Olugosi, issued a statement confirming that management has commenced a full-scale investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the disaster.

He assured parents, guardians, and the public that the polytechnic is determined to prevent such an incident from happening again.

“We are aware of the fire incident that occurred at one of our student hostels on Saturday.

“Thankfully, it was quickly extinguished, and there were no casualties. We are relieved that the situation was brought under control without any loss of life,” Olugosi stated.

The management also acknowledged the quick response of emergency agencies and individuals who came to the aid of the institution during the crisis.

According to Olugosi, the intervention of the Ondo State Fire Service and the Student Union Government played a critical role in containing the fire before it spread to other hostels.

In addition, the school expressed appreciation to the state government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for its concern and swift support.

“We deeply appreciate the prompt intervention of the state government. Their concern and assistance gave us strength at a difficult moment,” the statement read.

RUGIPO authorities emphasized that immediate steps were already being taken to support students whose properties were destroyed.

Relief measures, including temporary accommodation and welfare support, are being provided to those directly affected.

The school also pledged to intensify safety campaigns on campus and introduce more preventive measures such as the installation of firefighting equipment in all hostels and frequent electrical inspections.

Students, however, have used the opportunity to call on management to prioritize hostel safety.

They urged the school to ensure a more reliable electricity supply, deploy adequate firefighting facilities, and conduct routine safety drills to prepare occupants for emergencies.