Tragedy struck in Ilesa, Osun State, on Friday evening as a 100-level student of the University of Ilesa, Gbolahan Ojo, lost his life after being electrocuted while using his phone during a thunderstorm.
The young student, who was studying Business Administration, was said to be playing a game on his phone in his off-campus hostel when the incident occurred. According to eyewitnesses, the phone was plugged into an electric socket while he was using it, and a lightning strike during the heavy rainfall allegedly caused a power surge that electrocuted him.
The incident happened at a hostel near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction, a few minutes from the university’s main campus. Gbolahan was rushed to a nearby hospital but was sadly
One of the students in the area, who identified himself simply as Olawale, said the downpour began in the late hours of Friday and was accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning. He explained that Gbolahan, like many other students, was indoors due to the rain.
“It was raining heavily with thunder and lightning. Suddenly, we heard a loud scream from the hostel next to ours. We rushed there and found Gbolahan unconscious beside his phone, which was still plugged in,” Olawale narrated.
“We quickly got help and rushed him to the hospital, but we were told he didn’t make it. It was very painful.”
Confirming the unfortunate development, the University of Ilesa issued a statement on Saturday describing the incident as both tragic and deeply saddening. The statement, signed by the institution’s Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo, noted that the university community was in mourning over the sudden death of one of its promising students.
According to the statement, Gbolahan was a fresh student in the Department of Business Administration and had only recently resumed academic activities.
“The University is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our students, Gbolahan Ojo, a 100-level student of Business Administration,” the statement read.
“He was reportedly electrocuted during a thunderstorm while using his mobile phone, which was plugged into electricity. The incident occurred at his hostel located near the PEDI junction in Ilesa.”
The university explained that it immediately informed the police, who visited the scene to conduct an initial investigation. After receiving clearance from law enforcement, the deceased’s remains were moved to the morgue at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.
“The Police have commenced a thorough investigation into the incident,” the university said. “The father of the deceased was also immediately notified and has since arrived in Ilesa.”
In a show of solidarity, key officials of the university—including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Asaolu; the Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo; the Dean of Student Affairs; the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences; and the Head of the Department of Business Administration—were present to receive and console the grieving father.
The university has also promised to provide support to the family during this difficult time, noting that no effort will be spared to assist them as they come to terms with their loss.
“The University of Ilesa has made necessary arrangements to support the family during this moment of intense grief,” the statement continued. “We will continue to stand by them through this difficult time.”
The school also said that it is taking the incident seriously and may consider awareness campaigns to educate students on the dangers of using electronic devices during thunderstorms.
In Nigeria and other parts of the world, similar incidents have been reported in the past, prompting authorities and tech experts to urge caution during storms. The advice is simple: unplug devices during heavy rain or lightning, and avoid using wired gadgets connected to power until the weather clears.
The news of Gbolahan’s death has sent shockwaves across the university community. Students, staff, and faculty members have expressed deep sadness and disbelief over the tragedy.
As the university community continues to mourn the tragic loss, the story of Gbolahan Ojo serves as a painful reminder of the hidden dangers in everyday activities. The university has encouraged students to remain cautious, especially during harsh weather conditions, and assured that steps will be taken to improve safety awareness across campuses and student lodgings.
The university concluded its statement by offering prayers for the repose of Gbolahan’s soul and extending its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and department.
“The entire University community mourns this painful loss and prays for the repose of Gbolahan’s soul,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration.”
May his soul rest in peace.
