Retired and serving staff of the University of Ibadan (UI) have donated ₦6 million to schoolchildren, teachers, and bereaved families affected by the coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The donation was presented on Wednesday at the Office of the Inspector-General of Education in Ogbomoso. The initiative was led by the University of Ibadan Ad Hoc Committee on Support for Oriire Rescued Abductees.
Committee Chairman, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola, said the contribution reflects the university community's solidarity with the victims and aims to support their recovery after the traumatic incident.
More than 40 pupils and teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools on May 15, 2026. They regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.
Ayoola explained that the funds were raised through voluntary contributions from the university's immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Bowen University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jonathan Babalola, professors, and early-career academics.
He said the donation is intended to complement ongoing rehabilitation efforts and reassure the victims that they have not been forgotten.
Ayoola also commended the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and various security agencies for their coordinated efforts in securing the victims' release. He praised the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Special Forces, Nigerian Air Force Special Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for their roles in the rescue operation.
The Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, Olubunmi Adisa, described the gesture as a remarkable act of compassion and social responsibility, saying it demonstrates the strong bond between the academic community and society.
The symbolic presentation was made by Prof. Adenike Emeke, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, and Prof. Aina Adeogun to the rescued teachers, pupils, and widows of those who lost their lives in the attack.
Prof. Babalola encouraged the beneficiaries, assuring them that the academic community stands with them and remains committed to supporting their recovery and future well-being.
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