In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal University of Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi State has been shut down indefinitely following widespread student protests over a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of seven students and a bus driver.
The tragic incident occurred around 2:30 PM on Monday when a heavily loaded truck carrying wood and jerrycans of palm oil lost control and collided with a shuttle bus transporting students to campus. The impact was catastrophic, completely crushing the vehicle and instantly killing the passengers.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene, with bystanders rushing to pull victims from the wreckage as others screamed in shock.
Grief quickly turned to rage as students took to the streets in protest, demanding immediate action from authorities to prevent future tragedies. The demonstrations intensified, with students barricading the university gates and calling for improved safety measures around the campus and its surrounding roads.
Despite interventions by the Kogi State Government and multiple pleas from the university’s management, tensions continued to rise, prompting the administration to take drastic measures.
In response to the growing unrest, the institution’s management, in consultation with state security agencies, announced the indefinite closure of the university. A circular issued by the Registrar, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, dated February 20, 2025, directed all students to vacate the campuses within one hour of the notice, with a final deadline of 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The circular read in part:
> “Following the unfortunate loss of lives of seven students and a driver in a tragic trailer accident at Felele City Centre on Monday, 17th February 2025, students have barricaded the university gates despite magnanimous interventions from the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeals by the University Management for calm.
“Accordingly, acting on the advice of State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor, after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of the Senate that the University (both campuses) be closed down INDEFINITELY within one hour of the release of this circular.
“Students are therefore directed to vacate the campuses on or before 12 noon, Thursday, 20th February 2025.”
The abrupt closure has left students frustrated and uncertain about the future of their academic activities. Many are demanding justice for the victims and concrete measures to ensure road safety in and around the university.
As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to how the authorities will respond—not just to the accident, but to the deeper concerns raised by students over safety and accountability. Will this tragedy spur real change, or will it fade into yet another painful memory? Only time will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 