A 100-level student of the University of Ilesa, Gbolahan Ojo, has died after he was electrocuted while using his mobile phone plugged into a power source during a thunderstorm.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday evening at his off-campus hostel near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction in Ilesa, Osun State, during a heavy downpour accompanied by lightning.
Eyewitnesses said Ojo was playing a game on his mobile phone when lightning struck, causing a power surge that led to his electrocution. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Confirming the incident, the university’s management described the development as both tragic and unfortunate. According to a statement signed by the institution’s Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo, the deceased was a student in the Department of Business Administration.
“Following the incident, the University promptly informed the Police, and after due clearance, the remains of the deceased were taken to the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa,” the statement read.
It added that the police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement also disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu; Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo; Dean of Student Affairs; Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences; Head of Department; and the Area Commander of Police were on hand to receive and console the deceased student’s father, who arrived in Ilesa shortly after being notified.
The university pledged continued support for the bereaved family, stating, “The entire University community mourns this painful loss and prays for the repose of Gbolahan’s soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration.”
The tragic death has sparked renewed calls for awareness around electrical safety, particularly during thunderstorms.
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