Tragedy struck Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, after two students lost their lives in a swimming pool accident during a party organised to celebrate their matriculation.
The incident, which occurred at a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, has thrown the university community and the town into mourning, coming just days after the institution held its matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said the deaths were reported on January 29, 2026, and investigations have begun to determine what exactly happened.
The victims were identified as Oludere Opeyemi, aged 22, and Adegbola Blessing, aged 19. Both were students of Adekunle Ajasin University and were said to be among the freshers who attended the party.
According to the police, the students were celebrating their matriculation at the hotel when the incident occurred. Parties organised by students after matriculation are common in many Nigerian universities, as fresh students often see the event as the beginning of their campus life.
Jimoh explained that the first incident was noticed in the evening when one of the students was found unconscious inside the hotel’s swimming pool.
“The unconscious body of the first victim was discovered in the hotel’s swimming pool in the evening,” the police spokesperson said.
He said the pool manager immediately rescued the student and administered first aid. After receiving first aid, the student reportedly regained consciousness and was able to stand.
“He was later taken home by his friends,” Jimoh added.
However, the situation took a tragic turn shortly after. According to the police, the body of the second student was later discovered inside the same swimming pool.
“He was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” Jimoh said.
The incident caused panic among other students and hotel guests, many of whom were said to be in shock as news of the deaths spread.
The tragedy did not end there. The police spokesperson disclosed that in the early hours of January 30, 2026, the student who was earlier revived and taken home was also reported dead.
This development raised more questions about what truly happened during the party and the safety conditions at the hotel’s swimming pool.
Following the incident, operatives from the Akungba Divisional Police Station were deployed to the hotel to secure the area and begin an investigation.
Jimoh said as part of the preliminary investigation, the hotel manager, identified as Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager were invited for questioning.
“The case has now been transferred to the command’s monitoring unit for a discreet and comprehensive investigation,” the police spokesperson said.
He added that the remains of the two students have been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, for preservation and autopsy. According to him, the autopsy will help determine the exact cause of death.
Investigations are still ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether there were safety lapses, poor supervision, or other factors that may have contributed to the deaths.
The tragic deaths have sparked renewed concern about student safety during social gatherings, especially those involving swimming pools, alcohol, and late-night celebrations.
Akungba-Akoko, a university town, has many hotels and relaxation spots that cater mainly to students. While these facilities are meant for leisure, residents and parents have often raised concerns about safety standards and lack of proper supervision.
Swimming pool accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, especially in places where safety rules are poorly enforced. Experts have repeatedly warned that swimming pools should have trained lifeguards on duty at all times, clear safety signs, and strict rules to prevent overcrowding and risky behaviour.
In many cases, young people with little or no swimming experience enter pools during parties, sometimes under the influence of alcohol or excitement, increasing the risk of accidents.
The deaths of the two AAUA students have led to an outpouring of grief from fellow students, friends, and family members. Many students took to social media to express shock and sadness over the incident.
Some students called on the university management and relevant authorities to work with hotel owners around the campus to improve safety measures and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Although the management of Adekunle Ajasin University has not yet released an official statement on the incident, sources within the institution said the university was aware of the situation and monitoring developments.
As the police continue their investigation, many questions remain unanswered. How did two young students end up in the pool? Were there safety measures in place? Was there adequate supervision at the time of the party?
For now, the families of Oludere Opeyemi and Adegbola Blessing are left to mourn their loved ones, whose lives were cut short just as they were beginning their journey in higher education.