At least 10 students from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are currently receiving treatment in government hospitals after inhaling a poisonous gas and collapsing on Tuesday.
The Oyo State government swiftly responded to the emergency following a distress call from the institution. Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, led an immediate emergency response team to the scene.
The affected students were quickly evacuated and taken to Ring Road State Hospital and the University College Hospital (UCH) for medical attention.
According to eyewitnesses, the students—who are from the Science Laboratory and Technology Department—were in their lecture hall after completing a course test when a fight broke out between two students. During the altercation, an unknown individual allegedly released a choking substance into the air, causing several students to collapse, with some losing consciousness.
Dr. Ajetunmobi later visited the hospitals to assess the students’ conditions and confirmed that they had been stabilized and were receiving proper care.
She urged the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and hold those responsible accountable. She also stressed the importance of sensitization programs to discourage violent and harmful behavior among students, reaffirming the Ministry of Health’s commitment to public safety and swift emergency response.
The Rector of The Polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo, expressed gratitude for the state government’s prompt intervention and assured that the perpetrators would be identified and brought to justice.
Dr. Ajetunmobi was accompanied by top officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, the Director of Secondary Health Care and Training, Dr. Adekunle Aremu, the Director of Nursing Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Oyebode, the Director of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services, Mrs. Afusat Akande, as well as members of the Rapid Response Team.
