From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
A fire outbreak in the early hours of Saturday destroyed an adjoining block of offices and solar panels at the Hamidu Ahmed Medical Library, located within the Teaching Hospital Complex of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).
The incident occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026. It was brought under control by the university’s firefighting team with support from the Sokoto State Fire Service.
In a statement, the university said the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, the Vice-Chancellor, the University Librarian, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Deputy Dean of the School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS), and other officials visited the scene shortly after the incident to assess the damage.
According to the statement, while the adjoining offices and solar panels were completely destroyed, the library’s book holdings and core collections remained unaffected.
“The book holdings and core collections of the library remain completely unaffected and intact. No significant structural damage was observed that would compromise the safety of the library’s materials,” the statement said.
The university further stated that the Medical Library will remain closed for one week to allow for safety inspections, cleaning, and other technical assessments.
It is expected to reopen after the relevant authorities certify the facility safe for public use.
The Provost commended the swift response of the university administration, led by the Vice-Chancellor, as well as the University Librarian, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Chief Security Officer, the Deputy Director of SMLS, Prof. S. A. Isezuo, student leaders, the university firefighting unit, and the Sokoto State Fire Service for containing the fire and preventing further damage.
Students and other library users have been advised to make alternative arrangements during the temporary closure.
The university said it will provide further updates after the safety assessment.
