Fire Guts Offices, Solar Panels at UDUS Hamidu Ahmed Medical Library; Books Remain Intact

A fire outbreak in the early hours of Saturday destroyed an adjoining block of offices and solar panels at the Hamidu Ahmed Medical Library, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) Teaching Hospital Complex.

The incident occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and was brought under control by the university’s firefighting team with support from the Sokoto State Fire Service.

In a statement, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences said the Vice-Chancellor, University Librarian, Dean of Student Affairs, Deputy Dean of the School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS), and other university 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 razed, the library’s book holdings and core collections were not affected. 

“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 read.

*Temporary Closure for Safety Assessment*

The Hamidu Ahmed Medical Library will remain closed to users for one week to allow for safety inspections, cleaning, and other technical assessments. The facility is expected to reopen after relevant authorities certify it safe for public use.

The Provost commended the swift response of the university administration, led by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside the University Librarian, Dean of Student Affairs, Chief Security Officer, 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.

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