Pregnant Student Delivers in OAU Toilet Caught Allegedly Flushing Baby

Pregnant Student Delivers in OAU
Toilet Caught Allegedly Flushing Baby

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Wednesday confirmed that one of its students gave birth to a baby in a toilet.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Biodun Olarewaju, who confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, said the institution was taking care of the mother and the baby.

Mr. Olarewaju said the university would give necessary medical attention to the mother and the child before investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"We owe it to humanity and posterity to take care of the mother and child before investigating the negative stories surrounding the birth.

"For now, I can confirm that the lady simply identified as Doyin, is a bonafide student of this institution and that the university does not forbid female students from getting pregnant," Mr. Olarewaju said.

Doyin, a 400-level Agricultural Engineering student, visited the toilet at Moremi Hall of the university early on Wednesday.

"It was the cry of a baby that drew the attention of cleaners and students, and when they broke into the toilet, they saw the baby covered with faeces," the spokesman said.

Toluwase Ajayi, a final year law student, said the story was rife in the campus that the mother wanted to abandon the baby.

"Another version was that she simply visited the toilet when she was pressed by nature to deliver," Ms. Ajayi said.

University spokesman acknowledged the two versions of the story but said, "we should not believe in rumours, the university will carry out investigation in due time."

He said that the lady and the baby were in good condition at the institution's health centre.

"The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Lateefat Durosinmi, has been detailed by the university to be on standby at the health centre, where they are receiving attention."

"It is too early to accuse the lady of attempting to abandon the baby. The university places high premium on lives," Mr. Olarewaju said.