According to the circular, it was at about 8:20 PM, on Wednesday that a member of staff and some students while on their way to one of the hostels in the university discovered the student running towards the staff quarters, where he suddenly collapsed and hit his head against the pavement.
The management of Bowen University Community in Ogun State in Southwestern Nigeria, has announced the sudden death of a student of the College of Management and Social Sciences of the university who is suspected to have been attacked.
The university which announced the death of the student in a circular issued on Thursday by its registrar, B. T. Adetona, said the male student whose identity has not been disclosed died on Wednesday night.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Management of Bowen University announces the tragic passing of one of our students in the College of Management and Social Sciences under unfortunate circumstances last night, Wednesday, 22 January 2025,” part of the circular read.
According to the circular, it was at about 8:20 PM, on Wednesday that a member of staff and some students while on their way to one of the hostels in the university discovered the student running towards the staff quarters, where he suddenly collapsed and hit his head against the pavement.
Adetona stated, “Upon closer inspection, it was evident that he had sustained a wound in his abdominal region prior to the fall.
“The university’s security officers stationed near the power sub-station and the generator house/staff quarters reported that they neither saw nor heard any sign of an altercation during this time.
“The student was immediately rushed to the university hospital by ambulance. Upon further examination, the medical team, led by the Director of Health Services, discovered additional bruises around his neck, indicative of a struggle or defensive wounds.
“Despite the concerted efforts of the doctors and nurses, he passed away in the late hours of last night.”
The Registrar stated that in the aftermath of the incident, it has been established that the student sustained an injury to his abdominal region while on his way to the hostel.
Also, it was noted that his “last contact was with a friend at the old site of the campus”.
The statement said, “His last communication, at 8:01 PM, was with the same known contact, informing her that he had not yet reached his hostel. She had instructed him to notify her as soon as he arrived, but no further message was received.
“He was found at the staff quarters at approximately 8:20 PM, after the communication with the known contact.
“His personal effects, such as his phone, footwear, cap, and power bank, were discovered strewn along the road between the power sub-station and the staff quarters.
“Those who last saw him have provided accounts of his movements to assist Management and the authorities in piecing together a timeline of events.”
He said that the incident has been reported to the Visitor to the University and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, and that the student’s family has been contacted and informed of the devastating news.
“We are working closely with the police and intelligence team that arrived on the scene of the discovery last night to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Further updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
“In his honour, Management has decided to put a hold on the ongoing examinations. Examinations will resume on Monday, 27 January 2025.
“As a community, let us keep the family and friends of the deceased in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
“We also urge all members of the University to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or observation to the Directorate of Security Services,” the Registrar added.
