The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has explained why a proposed lecture by Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, did not hold on Saturday, attributing the development to short notice from organisers and security concerns.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obi was billed to deliver a keynote address at the university by 9 a.m. before proceeding to an opposition political summit in Ibadan scheduled for noon.
In a post on X on Saturday, Obi said he had received the invitation months earlier and that preparations had been made for the event, but the lecture was stalled after university authorities reportedly declined approval for the venue at the last minute.
Describing the development as troubling, Obi raised concerns over what he called growing restrictions on intellectual engagements in Nigerian universities.
“The reason Universities are regarded as an ivory tower is because its seen as centres for pure, isolated intellectual thought. It’s therefore worrisome when they are increasingly pressured to operate outside this norm,” he wrote.
He added, “While such occurrences may be dismissed in isolation, it is important to state clearly that this has now happened more than ten times. This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians.”
Responding in a statement on Monday, OAU said it did not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event because the university was informed of the “status and calibre” of the guest only on Friday, a day before the programme.
“The University authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme,” the statement said.
The institution noted that events involving high-profile personalities require prior notice to allow for adequate logistical and security planning.
“It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification to the University authorities because it will enable the institution to make necessary logistical and security arrangements in order to ensure the safety of the guest, members of the University community and the general public,” the university said.
“Consequently, given the short notice and the attendant inability to complete these critical arrangements, the University authorities could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested by the organisers.”
OAU stressed that the decision was taken “purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of University facilities,” and not out of disregard for Obi.
Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Bamire said the university remains committed to intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided due process is followed.
The institution also urged organisers of campus events to comply with laid-down procedures.
