The management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Iseyin campus, has announced a two-week suspension of academic activities following the tragic death of a 200-level student who was reportedly crushed by a yet-to-be-identified commercial driver along the Iseyin–Saki Road in Oyo State.
The victim, identified as a student from the Department of Agricultural Economics, was said to have been knocked down on Friday morning, sparking outrage among fellow students who later set the fleeing driver’s vehicle ablaze in protest.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the institution’s Registrar, Olayinka Balogun, described the incident as heartbreaking and said the temporary closure was approved to allow the university community time to mourn and restore calm.
“The management of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, deeply regrets to announce the tragic passing of a 200-level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, who was fatally wounded by a hit-and-run driver in Iseyin,” the statement read.
“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over our university community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. In light of this grievous loss, and in recognition of the emotional toll it has taken on our students and staff, the university management has approved a two-week suspension of academic activities at the Iseyin campus, effective immediately.”
The Registrar further directed all students of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources to proceed on the two-week break, adding that classes would resume on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Balogun also noted that officers on essential duties would be informed of their responsibilities through the usual channels while urging students to remain calm, stay safe, and support one another during the mourning period.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about student safety and traffic regulation near tertiary institutions.
Earlier in January, a similar decision was made by the Lagos State Government following the closure of Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo after a two-year-old pupil, Rapheala Ogbodo, drowned in a swimming pool — a case that, like LAUTECH’s, underscores the recurring issue of institutional closures after fatal incidents involving students.
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