Academic activities at Bowen University, Ogun State, have been suspended following the death of a male student under suspicious circumstances.
In a circular dated Thursday, January 23, 2025, and signed by the Registrar, B.T. Adetona, the university announced the death of the student, who was a member of the College of Management and Social Sciences. The student passed away on Wednesday night, January 22, 2025. His identity has not yet been disclosed.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Management of Bowen University announces the tragic passing of one of our students in the College of Management and Social Sciences under unfortunate circumstances last night,” the circular stated.
According to the statement, the student was discovered around 8:20 PM by a staff member and some students near the staff quarters. He was reportedly running toward the quarters when he suddenly collapsed, hitting his head on the pavement. Upon closer inspection, a wound was observed in his abdominal region.
The Registrar noted that no signs of an altercation were reported by security personnel stationed near the area. The student was immediately taken to the university hospital, where further examination revealed additional bruises around his neck, suggesting a possible struggle. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the student passed away later that night.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the student sustained the abdominal injury while heading to his hostel. It was revealed that his last known communication, around 8:01 PM, was with a friend, who instructed him to notify her once he reached his hostel. However, he was found at the staff quarters around 8:20 PM.
The student’s belongings, including his phone, footwear, cap, and power bank, were discovered scattered along the road between the power substation and the staff quarters. Witnesses who saw him last have provided statements to aid the ongoing investigation.
The university confirmed that the incident has been reported to the institution’s governing authorities, and the student’s family has been informed. Law enforcement and intelligence teams are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
In light of the incident, the university has postponed the ongoing examinations, which will now resume on Monday, January 27, 2025.
“As a community, let us keep the family and friends of the deceased in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. We also urge all members of the University to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Directorate of Security Services,” the statement concluded.
