The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has announced a temporary suspension of academic activities at its Iseyin campus following the death of a 200-level student from the Department of Agricultural Economics. The tragic incident occurred after the student was reportedly involved in a hit-and-run accident in Iseyin, Oyo State, leaving the university community in deep mourning.
In an official statement signed by the Registrar, Mr. Olayinka O. Balogun, the university management expressed profound grief over the unfortunate event and extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The statement emphasized that the emotional impact of the tragedy on both students and staff necessitated a pause in academic engagements to allow for proper mourning and recovery.
According to the statement, all students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources are to observe a two-week break effective immediately, with academic activities scheduled to resume on Monday, November 24, 2025. The management noted that the decision was taken in the best interest of the students and the entire university community.
“The university management deeply regrets the loss of one of our promising students and shares in the pain of his family and friends. We recognize that this incident has caused emotional distress within our community. It is therefore important that we take this period to reflect, heal, and honor the memory of our departed student,” the statement read.
The management further appealed to students to prioritize safety, remain calm, and support one another during this difficult time. It also urged them to honor their late colleague’s memory by maintaining peace and upholding the values of discipline and unity that LAUTECH stands for.
While academic activities remain suspended, officers on essential duties have been directed to continue their work as specified by the university. The management assured that necessary arrangements would be made to ensure the safety and welfare of students when normal activities resume.
The tragic event has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media platforms, as friends and fellow students mourn the deceased and call for improved safety measures within the Iseyin community. Many have appealed to authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run incident and bring the perpetrator to justice.
LAUTECH’s Iseyin campus, which houses the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, has been a symbol of the university’s commitment to expanding access to agricultural education and research. However, the recent tragedy has cast a pall of sadness over the campus, momentarily halting its vibrant academic environment.
In its message to the student body, the university reiterated its commitment to the welfare and emotional well-being of students, promising to provide necessary counseling and support services during the mourning period. The management encouraged students to make use of available resources to cope with the loss and to stay united as a community.
As preparations for the student’s burial continue, tributes have continued to pour in from various quarters within and outside the university. Colleagues have described the deceased as a bright and dedicated student whose dreams were cut short by an unfortunate accident.
The university management concluded its statement with a call for compassion and restraint, urging all members of the LAUTECH community to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions. “This is a time for unity, empathy, and reflection,” the statement added.
With the suspension now in effect, the university community is expected to use the two-week break to pay their respects and support one another through the grieving process. Academic activities will resume on November 24, 2025, as the institution continues to uphold its commitment to academic excellence and student welfare.
