Rebirth of OAU Amphitheatre: Renovated Facility Marks Strong Comeback After Collapse

          Eniola Adeyeye 

The Amphitheatre of the Obafemi Awolowo University, largest capacity lecture theatre, has now become one of the most significant infrastructure the students can boast of in the university. Sequel to a comprehensive rehabilitation of the infrastructure, which follows a tragic event caused by its structural failure, that got a few students injured while receiving lectures in May, 2024.

Recall that Oluwafemi Olabode of ACJOAU, on Thursday, 16th May, 2024 reported the collapsed of some parts of the Amphitheatre‘s under-roof during the SER 001 – Use of English lecture, leaving some students in the theatre to sustain severe injuries.

          OAU amphitheatre on Thursday, 16th 2024

Meanwhile, the renovated facility now features improved lighting, upgraded seating, enhanced ventilation, and an organised layout designed to accommodate a large population safely and comfortably.

           OAU amphitheatre now

Many of the students who spoke with our correspondent described the transformation as impressive and long overdue.

Awoola Oluwaferanmi, a Student of Mass Communication recalled the incident with sadness —“It was a terrible day. Students were injured and our lectures for the day were cancelled, although it was later reopened briefly, but still not in good condition.” 

Speaking further, Oluwaferanmi described the renovation as exceptional.

 “Everything is beyond my expectations, the new chairs, lighting, painting—everything looks extremely beautiful, I just hope it reopens fully soon, adding that the project gives him pride as a student. “You hardly see schools with a lecture theatre like this, I would recommend that its maintenance be taken more seriously.”

Similarly, Odunayo Oluwasegun explained how she narrowly escaped being affected by the collapse. 

“If it had been one hour later, it would have been my class. On that day I wondered why an institution with such a prestige of African Most Beautiful Campus has weak infrastructure?” 

Odunayo, beating her chest, expressed a renewed confidence in the rehabilitation, “Amphitheater is back stronger, I await its reopening so I can make several videos therein.” 

A freshman, while speaking to ICONS reporters described how discouraged he was when he heard about the incident.

 “when I heard that some students ended up in the hospital, I couldn't imagine how deteriorated the facility was at that point." He further aknowledged that the renovation has surely surpassed his expectations.

In an interview with the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, he explained that the rehabilitation became necessary because it was discovered that the structure could no longer meet safety standards, particularly after the incident.

The PRO, while speaking, further highlighted major upgrades done in the Amphitheatre, including the installation of new roofing, durable plastic seating, and improved lighting. He also confirmed that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) fully sponsored the rehabilitation, describing it as the agency fulfilling its mandate.

On reopening, Mr Olanrewaju clarified that the amphitheatre was not originally rehabilitated for lectures, its future use as a lecture theatre is still under consideration, emphasizing that strict maintenance measures would be imposed on the facility.

“All events in the amphitheatre will require approval from the Vice-Chancellor, and any damage during use will be traced to the organisers. In fact, any event not approved by the Vice-Chancellor will not be condoned.” 

The renovated amphitheatre now undoubtedly stands as a symbol of resilience and institutional renewal. What began as a major setback has become an opportunity for a stronger comeback, restoring the theatre’s place in the university community with a safer and more modern design.