The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has been shut down indefinitely following continued student protests over the tragic loss of their colleagues in a road accident.
The closure was announced on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in a circular signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie. The directive was also copied to the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Tragic Incident That Sparked the Protests
The protests began on Monday, February 17, 2025, after a trailer rammed into a university shuttle bus at Felele city center, killing seven students instantly. The gruesome accident sparked outrage among students, who took to the streets to demand justice and improved transportation safety within and around the university.
Despite interventions from the Kogi State Government and appeals for calm by the university management, students continued to barricade the gates of the institution in protest.
University Management’s Decision
Citing security concerns, the university management, in consultation with state security agencies, decided to close down the university with immediate effect.
The circular issued by Dr. Okojie read:
“Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17 February 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.
“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor, after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down indefinitely within one hour of release of this circular.”
The management further directed that all students must vacate the university premises by 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Unrest and Rising Tensions
The indefinite closure of the university reflects the growing tensions surrounding the safety and welfare of students, especially regarding transportation and infrastructure issues. Students have expressed frustration over what they perceive as negligence on the part of authorities in ensuring safer roads and transportation services for the campus community.
While the university management has called for calm, the incident has sparked conversations on the need for urgent government intervention to improve road safety measures around the university.
As the situation unfolds, students and parents await further directives from the university on when academic activities will resume.
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