The Management of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, had debunked the report that an administrative staff of the institution had tested positive for COVID-19.
The fake news had caused panic among residents of Okitipupa and environs.
Mr Idowu Omowole, the institution’s Registry Coordinator, denied the claim in a statement on Friday in Okitipupa.
Omowole described the report as a fake news that emanated from a faceless and questionable media outfit.
He noted that the university’s management was not aware of any of its staff being tested positive for COVID-19, saying such information was a figment of imagination of the author of such derogatory news.
Omowole stated that the institution on March 20 directed all its staff and students to vacate the campus, in line with the state government’s order, to curtail the spread of the disease.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news flying around that an administrative staff of the institution has tested positive for COVID-19.
“The fake news, which is a figment of imagination of a faceless and questionable online media outfit, has caused panic in Okitipupa and environs.
“The management of the university wishes to inform the general public that there is no official report available to the institution that any of its administrative staff has contracted the deadly virus.
“We advise the public to disregard and treat the information as “fake news” and go about their lawful duties, by observing all government precautionary measures to fight the deadly virus,” Omowole said.