Staff members of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, under the umbrella of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), have paid tribute to the late Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who lost his life in a tragic lion attack at the university zoo on February 19, 2024.

Olawuyi died heroically while attempting to rescue a junior colleague who was being mauled by the lion during a routine feeding session. To commemorate the first anniversary of his death, NAAT organized a one-day workshop titled “Workplace Safety Awareness” at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts.

Honouring Olawuyi’s Sacrifice

During the event, NAAT National President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, hailed Olawuyi as a martyr who demonstrated unparalleled courage and selflessness in his final moments.

Represented by Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, the immediate past National Treasurer of NAAT, Nwokoma called on the university management to rename the university zoo in Olawuyi’s honour as a lasting tribute to his bravery.

“I commend the OAU NAAT executives for organizing this workshop. I also advocate that the zoo should be named after the late Mr. Olawuyi. He was a man of virtue and our martyr,” Nwokoma stated.

He further stressed the urgent need for workplace safety measures, lamenting that poor safety policies have made Nigerian workers vulnerable to avoidable dangers.

Unresolved Investigation Sparks Concerns

Despite the passing of a full year, NAAT leaders expressed disappointment that the official investigation report into Olawuyi’s death has not been released by the university authorities.

OAU NAAT Chairman, Matthew Oluwaniyi, voiced frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

“One year ago, we lost a dedicated professional, a colleague, and a comrade whose courage and sense of duty went beyond mere responsibility. Comrade Olawuyi gave his life to save another, yet we are still waiting for the official report on the incident,” Oluwaniyi lamented.

He emphasized that the workshop served as a call to action for the university management to prioritize workplace safety and implement better protective measures for staff members working in high-risk environments.

Calls for Improved Safety Policies at OAU

The tragic death of Olawuyi has reignited discussions on workplace safety and hazard prevention in Nigerian institutions, particularly for technologists, researchers, and other professionals working in high-risk areas.

Oluwaniyi stated that workplace safety must move beyond theoretical discussions to tangible reforms that protect lives and prevent future tragedies.

“This workshop is more than just an event. It is a reminder that safety is not just a conversation but a responsibility. We must ensure that the lessons from Comrade Olawuyi’s sacrifice lead to:

• Improved workplace safety policies
• Better protective equipment for staff
• Stronger emergency response measures
• A work environment where no staff member feels unsafe in the line of duty

Next Steps and Demands

In light of these discussions, NAAT members have called for the following actions from OAU’s management:

1. Immediate release of the investigation report detailing the circumstances leading to Olawuyi’s death.
2. Renaming of the OAU Zoo in his honour to preserve his legacy as a selfless worker.
3. Implementation of stricter workplace safety guidelines, particularly for technologists and field workers.
4. Provision of hazard allowances and insurance coverage for staff members working in high-risk environments.

The tragedy of Olabode Olawuyi remains a painful reminder of the importance of workplace safety, and NAAT insists that his sacrifice must lead to concrete changes.

As OAU reflects on this solemn anniversary, the university now faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised and take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future.