Babcock University Debunks Fire Report, Confirms Resumption Date

The management of Babcock University in Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, has vehemently debunked viral reports alleging a fire outbreak on its campus, describing the claims as a product of “depraved, artificial intelligence–generated misinformation.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the university also dismissed concurrent rumours that the resumption of its second semester had been indefinitely postponed due to the alleged inferno.

The institution insisted that its academic calendar remains unchanged and that students are expected to return to campus as scheduled.

Advertisement

The controversy began after a misleading post circulated on social media, featuring what the university described as an AI-generated image purporting to show a fire outbreak on the campus grounds.

The post falsely claimed that the incident had necessitated a delay in the resumption of academic activities for the second semester of the 2025/2026 session.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Johnson Akintayo, the Associate Vice President for Communications, Media, and Branding, condemned the report as “complete mischief and falsehood.”

Advertisement

“The University categorically condemns this depraved publication as a complete mischief and falsehood, deliberately crafted to mislead and misinform our students, their parents/guardians, and the general public,” Akintayo stated.

He clarified that there was no fire incident whatsoever on any of the university’s campuses, describing the facilities as safe, secure, and fully prepared to receive students.

Addressing the confusion regarding the academic schedule, the university spokesperson confirmed that the resumption dates remain as previously communicated to students and parents before the first semester break.

Advertisement

“The University’s campuses are safe, secure, and fully prepared to receive students as scheduled from Monday, January 12, through Wednesday, January 14, 2026,” the statement read.

Akintayo emphasized that the institution does not communicate official decisions through anonymous or unofficial platforms and advised stakeholders to rely solely on well-defined, credible, and verifiable official channels for information.

The university management used the opportunity to warn purveyors of fake news to desist from fabricating malicious claims that could cause unnecessary panic.

“Students and their parents/guardians are therefore advised to entirely disregard the fabricated story circulating online, as it has no basis in truth or reality,” Akintayo added.

Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the statement concluded by noting that Babcock University remains one of the most secure and proactive tertiary institutions in Nigeria and will continue to act in the best interests of its community.