Polytechnic Ibadan Students Hospitalized After Poisonous Gas Incident in Laboratory

Ten students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, were rushed to Adeoyo State Hospital and the University College Hospital (UCH) after inhaling a poisonous gas inside a laboratory on campus.

The affected students, all from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, were preparing for a lecture when an altercation broke out between two students. In an attempt to mediate the situation, other students gathered around, but chaos ensued when one of the individuals reportedly sprayed a gaseous substance into the hall, rendering ten students unconscious.

Emergency responders quickly intervened following a distress call, and the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, personally visited the hospitals to assess the condition of the affected students.

Dr. Ajetunmobi has urged the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to launch a thorough investigation into the incident, ensuring that those responsible face appropriate consequences.

In response, the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, expressed appreciation for the swift reaction of the state government. He assured the public that the school would take decisive action to identify and discipline those involved.

Dr. Ajetunmobi was accompanied by top officials from the Ministry of Health, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, Director of Secondary Healthcare and Training, Dr. Adekunle Aremu, and Director of Nursing Services, Dr. Kehinde Oyebode, among others. The Rapid Response Team was also deployed to assist with medical care.

Meanwhile, the institution’s Acting Registrar, Adewumi Ogunjimi, confirmed that the school had formally reached out to the Commissioner for Health to request an emergency medical response.

The incident has raised concerns over safety measures within the institution, prompting calls for stricter security regulations in laboratories and lecture halls. Authorities are expected to provide updates as the investigation unfolds.