Electric tragedy: First-year student dies while charging phone in hostel

By Olajide Idowu

The University of Ilesa in Osun State has confirmed the heartbreaking death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojolo, a first-year student in the Department of Business Administration.

The tragic incident occurred on Friday, April 18, 2025, when Ojolo was electrocuted while charging his mobile phone in his room at a private hostel near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction.

In a statement issued by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo, it was revealed that the electrocution was caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm, which occurred while Ojolo was playing a game on his phone.

The university expressed deep regret over the untimely loss of the young student.

“The unfortunate incident took place in the evening, and the university promptly notified the police. After the necessary clearance, the remains of Gbolahan Ojolo were transferred to the morgue at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa,” Ojo said.

The Registrar further confirmed that the police have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Gbolahan’s father was immediately informed and has since arrived in Ilesa, where he was received by the university management and the Area Commander of Police as a gesture of solidarity.

“The university is fully committed to supporting the family during this difficult time and has made necessary arrangements to assist them,” Ojo added.

The university community is in mourning following the tragic loss. “Our hearts go out to Gbolahan’s family, friends, classmates, and the entire Department of Business Administration. We pray for his soul to rest in peace,” the statement concluded. (NAN)