The management of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, has dismissed reports of a fire outbreak on its campus, describing the claims as false and the product of “depraved, artificial intelligence–generated misinformation.”
The university also refuted claims that it had postponed the resumption of its second semester, stressing that students are to resume as scheduled on Monday, January 12, 2026, in accordance with its academic calendar.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Associate Vice President, Communications, Media and Branding, Dr. Johnson Akintayo.
According to Akintayo, the attention of the university was drawn to a misleading social media post featuring an AI-generated image that falsely suggested a fire incident on campus and an indefinite postponement of the second semester resumption for the 2025/2026 academic session.
He described the publication as a deliberate attempt to mislead students, parents, guardians, and the general public.
“The University categorically condemns this depraved publication as a complete mischief and falsehood, deliberately crafted to misinform,” Akintayo said.
He reiterated that Babcock University communicates official information only through its recognised and verifiable channels, adding that no official decisions are conveyed via anonymous or unofficial platforms.
Akintayo further stressed that the resumption date earlier communicated to students before the first semester break remains unchanged.
“Students and their parents or guardians are advised to completely disregard the fabricated story circulating online, as it has no basis in truth or reality,” he added.
Clarifying the situation, the university stated that there was no fire incident in any of its campuses.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there was no fire incident whatsoever in any of the campuses of Babcock University. Our campuses are safe, secure, and fully prepared to receive students from Monday, January 12, through Wednesday, January 14, 2026,” the statement read.
The institution warned against the spread of false and malicious information and urged the public to rely solely on its official communication channels for accurate updates, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the wider community.
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