TASUED Says Ijebu-Ode Remains Safe Despite Viral Bandit Claims

University urges calm after social media posts falsely allege hostel evacuation and bandit invasion

The Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, has debunked widespread claims that the institution was forced to shut down due to a supposed bandit invasion in Ijebu-Ode, describing the viral reports as pure misinformation that could stir panic among students and the wider community.

The rumour, which circulated rapidly on Friday across WhatsApp groups and X (formerly Twitter), alleged that the school had directed students to vacate their hostels and temporarily suspend academic activities following a security breach. The posts triggered confusion among parents and heightened concern across Ogun State, where anxieties about insecurity have been rising following recent school-related attacks in other regions.

But the university says none of it is true.

In a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke, the management insisted that the entire account was fabricated, adding that neither the campus nor the surrounding Ijebu-Ode area had recorded any security threat.

“The report suggesting that TASUED has been shut down is malicious, misleading, and targeted at causing unnecessary panic. At no point did the university issue a directive for students to leave their hostels,” the statement read. Oke further clarified that academic and administrative operations continued uninterrupted throughout the day, with lectures, registrations, and internal examinations all progressing as scheduled.

The Registrar’s response was partly prompted by messages claiming that gunmen had been sighted around the Ijagun axis, forcing the school to initiate an emergency evacuation. According to the university, the claim originated from unverifiable social media accounts and quickly gained traction because of recent insecurity incidents in parts of the North, including multiple attacks on schools in Niger and Taraba states.

However, TASUED emphasised that no such threat existed, stressing that both campuses remained calm, open, and fully functional.

Administrators say they decided to issue a public clarification after receiving calls from anxious parents who feared their children might be in danger. “The environment in Ijebu-Ode and the Ijagun campus remains peaceful and safe,” the university assured. “Our priority remains the safety and welfare of all students.”

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Despite the institution’s reassurance, the rumour exposed a larger concern shared by many schools across the country: the speed at which security-related misinformation spreads online. In a period where genuine attacks on schools have become more frequent, false alarms now travel just as quickly, often leaving communities unsettled before the truth catches up.

The university acknowledged this reality while urging members of the public to help curb the spread of unverified claims. It advised students, staff, parents, and alumni to rely exclusively on official university communication channels for verified updates. “All staff and students are advised to go about their academic and lawful duties without anxiety,” the statement added.

TASUED’s denial comes at a time when education authorities in other states are taking drastic measures to protect students. On the same day the rumour spread, the Federal Government ordered the temporary closure of 41 Unity Colleges across regions facing heightened security risk. States such as Katsina and Taraba have also introduced emergency directives, including reverting some schools to day-only operations.

For TASUED, however, the message remains consistent: the situation on campus is stable.

As of Saturday morning, normal activities continued, with students seen attending classes, visiting administrative offices, and moving freely across hostels and lecture halls. The university says it remains committed to maintaining safety on campus while working closely with local security agencies to monitor any potential concerns.

For now, the institution is asking stakeholders to remain calm and stay informed from credible sources.