Education
Fire Outbreak devastates Ajayi Crowther University Radio Studio in Oyo
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
03 Sep 2025 07:54 AM
Ibadan, Oyo – On Monday, September 1, 2025, a fire outbreak ravaged the radio studio of Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, destroying equipment and property worth millions of naira.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:55 AM, was reportedly triggered by an electrical surge from the studio’s air-conditioning unit, according to multiple sources.
The blaze rapidly engulfed the studio, filling it with flames and thick smoke by the time firefighters arrived.
The Oyo State Fire Service, led by PFS 11 Makinde, responded swiftly to the distress call and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the university campus.
No casualties were reported, and the fire service successfully saved property worth millions of naira, according to Hon. Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service.
However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the extent of the damage.
While some sources claim the fire caused significant destruction to broadcasting equipment and other studio assets, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Atoyebi, stated that only a few items were affected, emphasizing that the radio station serves as a training facility rather than a commercial operation.
Akinwande urged the public to prioritize fire safety, recommending the installation and proper maintenance of fire extinguishers to prevent such incidents from escalating.
He noted, “I urge the public to be conscious of fire and emphasize the importance of having extinguishers in respective buildings and correct use of the equipment in order to prevent fire incidents at incipient stage.”
This fire marks the second such incident in Oyo State’s media industry in recent weeks, following a devastating blaze at Fresh 105.9 FM in Ibadan on August 15, 2025.
The recurrence of these incidents has raised concerns among media practitioners and residents about fire safety standards in the state’s broadcasting sector. Some have called for government intervention to support affected stations and investigate potential causes, including the possibility of sabotage, though no evidence of foul play has been confirmed.
The management of Ajayi Crowther University has assured the public that operations will resume as soon as possible, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full cause and extent of the damage.
The incident underscores the need for stricter adherence to fire safety regulations and improved emergency response measures across public and private institutions in Oyo State.
As the community rallies to support the university, the Oyo State government and fire service have pledged to introduce preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, ensuring the safety of critical media infrastructure in the region.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:55 AM, was reportedly triggered by an electrical surge from the studio’s air-conditioning unit, according to multiple sources.
The blaze rapidly engulfed the studio, filling it with flames and thick smoke by the time firefighters arrived.
The Oyo State Fire Service, led by PFS 11 Makinde, responded swiftly to the distress call and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the university campus.
No casualties were reported, and the fire service successfully saved property worth millions of naira, according to Hon. Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service.
However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the extent of the damage.
While some sources claim the fire caused significant destruction to broadcasting equipment and other studio assets, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Atoyebi, stated that only a few items were affected, emphasizing that the radio station serves as a training facility rather than a commercial operation.
Akinwande urged the public to prioritize fire safety, recommending the installation and proper maintenance of fire extinguishers to prevent such incidents from escalating.
He noted, “I urge the public to be conscious of fire and emphasize the importance of having extinguishers in respective buildings and correct use of the equipment in order to prevent fire incidents at incipient stage.”
This fire marks the second such incident in Oyo State’s media industry in recent weeks, following a devastating blaze at Fresh 105.9 FM in Ibadan on August 15, 2025.
The recurrence of these incidents has raised concerns among media practitioners and residents about fire safety standards in the state’s broadcasting sector. Some have called for government intervention to support affected stations and investigate potential causes, including the possibility of sabotage, though no evidence of foul play has been confirmed.
The management of Ajayi Crowther University has assured the public that operations will resume as soon as possible, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full cause and extent of the damage.
The incident underscores the need for stricter adherence to fire safety regulations and improved emergency response measures across public and private institutions in Oyo State.
As the community rallies to support the university, the Oyo State government and fire service have pledged to introduce preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, ensuring the safety of critical media infrastructure in the region.
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