Babcock University has debunked a viral social media report alleging an indefinite postponement of the resumption of the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic session due to a purported fire—or “zombie”—incident on its campus.

In an official statement issued on Thursday, the University described the report as a “discredited and depraved publication” accompanied by an AI-generated image, aimed at misleading students, parents, guardians, and the general public.

According to the statement, the institution categorically denied the existence of any fire incident across its campuses and reaffirmed that there has been no change to the previously announced resumption schedule.

“The University condemns this complete mischief and falsehood, deliberately crafted to mislead and misinform,” the statement read. “There was no fire incident and there is no fire incident whatsoever in any of the campuses of Babcock University.”

Babcock University emphasized that it communicates official decisions strictly through well-defined, credible, and verifiable channels, noting that it does not disseminate information via anonymous or unofficial platforms.

The management further clarified that the resumption date earlier communicated to students before the first semester holidays, as contained in the current academic calendar, remains valid and unchanged.

Students are expected to resume on campus between Monday, January 12 and Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as scheduled.

The University advised students and their parents or guardians to completely disregard the fabricated online report, stressing that it has no basis in truth or reality. It also cautioned individuals spreading misinformation to desist from making and circulating unfounded and malicious claims.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and rely only on official University communication channels for accurate information,” the statement added.

Reassuring stakeholders, the institution stated that all its campuses are safe, secure, and fully prepared to receive students.

The statement was signed by Johnson Babafemi Akintayo, PhD, Associate Vice President, Communications, Media and Branding, on January 8, 2026.

Babcock University reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment and acting in the best interests of its students, staff, parents, and the wider public.