The Public Relations Officer of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Funmi Adetuyibi, has refuted claims circulating on social media about a major fire outbreak at the hospital. Responding to viral posts on Sunday, September 22, 2024, Adetuyibi clarified that the incident, which occurred at the Medicine Laboratory on the 3rd floor, was minimal and swiftly contained.
In a statement made available to online, Adetuyibi described the fire as being caused by a spark at a changeover box, adding that it was limited to one room and did not result in any significant damage. “The fire outbreak was limited to the changeover panel in one of the rooms in the laboratory,” she noted.
Contrary to some of the viral images and reports circulating online, Adetuyibi stated, “Most of the pictures of the fire outbreak being spread around are NOT pictures of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.”
The statement emphasized that the situation was handled efficiently by hospital staff and the Fire Service, with no disruption to hospital operations. “The fire was put out immediately by the courageous staff of the hospital who were on the ground. The Fire Service officials also arrived on time and rendered excellent service to assuage the effects of the outbreak,” she added.
Adetuyibi reassured the public of the safety of lives and property at UCH, stating that the hospital’s management, led by Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, has taken all necessary precautions to prevent future incidents.
