ACU Partners Red Cross to Promote First Aid Awareness, Considers Campus Detachment

July 23, 2026

ACU Partners Red Cross to Promote First Aid Awareness, Considers Campus Detachment

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has taken a significant step toward strengthening emergency preparedness on campus by partnering with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to train staff and students in life-saving first aid techniques.

The awareness programme, organised in collaboration with the Red Cross Oyo Sate Branch, equipped participants with essential skills for handling seizures, unconsciousness, and other medical emergencies through practical demonstrations and expert guidance.

Welcoming the Red Cross officials to the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, expressed profound appreciation for their visit and contributions to training the university community on emergency response.

She stressed the importance of first aid knowledge for both students and staff, noting that the university is committed not only to building godly intellectuals but also to producing well-rounded individuals equipped with practical knowledge for real-life situations. The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Director, Health Services, Dr. Olumuyiwa Omotesho, and his team for their commendable efforts in improving the services of the university health centre.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Omotesho expressed delight at the presence of the Nigerian Red Cross Society within the university community. He described the programme as impactful and beneficial, revealing that there is a possibility of establishing a Red Cross detachment on campus to strengthen emergency preparedness and promote continuous volunteer engagement. Dr. Omotesho equally charged staff to take advantage of the Drug Revolving Fund scheme at the university health centre when they need medical attention in order to access drugs at an affordable price.

The training session, led by Trainer Olaleye Ojo of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, featured a health talk and practical session emphasising the importance of prompt and appropriate response during cases of unconsciousness.

Delivering practical insights, Trainer Ojo outlined key steps for attending to an unconscious person. He advised that responders must first check for danger and carefully scan the surrounding environment for harmful elements that could pose additional risks. He further stressed the need to call for a response from the casualty while ensuring that the airway is open and clear.

According to him, confirming whether the casualty is breathing is a critical step that determines the next line of action. These procedures, he noted, are essential in stabilising the victim before professional medical assistance arrives.

Highlighting the significance of first aid knowledge, the trainer explained that it plays a vital role in preserving life and preventing situations from escalating beyond control. He urged participants to take first aid training seriously, as it equips individuals with the confidence and skills needed in emergency situations.

The trainer also addressed seizure management, advising that the environment should be made safe while ensuring proper ventilation by opening windows where possible. He noted that responders should observe and, where appropriate, ask about possible triggers of the seizure.

In cases involving infants, he recommended gentle sponging of the baby, with particular attention to the head, especially the forehead, as part of immediate care while seeking medical attention.

Trainer Ojo underscored the importance of time consciousness, stating that the first 60 seconds of response can determine whether a victim survives or not. The session reinforced the need for swift, calm, and informed action during emergencies.

The well attended programme had in attendance, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Afolake Olanbiwonninu; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Olukayode Binuyo; the Registrar, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun; the Bursar, Dr. Ayodele Olusanwo; the University Librarian, Prof. Bose Ajiboye and the Dean, Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Moses Akiibinu among others.

It also featured an interactive session with the university’s nursing students currently on clinical posting.