Tragedy struck at the University of Ilesa, Osun State, as a 100-level student, Gbolahan Ojolo, lost his life after reportedly being electrocuted during a thunderstorm on Friday evening.
Ojolo, a student of the Department of Business Administration, was said to have been charging his mobile phone and playing a game on it inside his hostel room when lightning struck, leading to a fatal electric surge.
In a statement released on Saturday, the University Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo, confirmed the incident and expressed the institution’s deep sorrow over the loss.
“The Management of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojolo,” the statement read in part. “The unfortunate incident occurred at a private hostel near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute junction. He was electrocuted while using his phone, which was connected to a power source during a thunderstorm.”
The university disclosed that the police were immediately informed, and after completing necessary formalities, Ojolo’s body was deposited at the Wesley Guild Hospital morgue in Ilesa.
The Registrar added that the police had commenced investigations into the incident, while the university was in close contact with the bereaved family to provide needed support.
“The entire University community mourns this painful loss,” the statement concluded. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration during this difficult period.”
