A 200-level student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has died after reportedly falling from a moving campus shuttle bus, prompting the university management to suspend lectures and other academic activities for two days.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, near the university gate, following an alleged disagreement over a seat in the shuttle bus.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Kehinde Bamgbose; General Secretary, Olajire Emmanuel; and Public Relations Officer, Olamide Salau, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) described the circumstances surrounding the student’s death as disturbing.
According to the union, an unidentified person who was allegedly not authorised to board the shuttle occupied the seat previously used by the deceased, leading to a disagreement.
The union alleged that instead of resolving the dispute, the driver instructed the student to hold on to the moving vehicle so that the journey could continue.
It said the student fell off the shuttle before it reached Mosque Junction and became unconscious.
The student was subsequently taken to the university’s Mini Campus Health Centre for medical attention. However, the SUG alleged that medical attention was delayed because he was asked to present his student identification card.
“Sadly, within minutes, the student passed away,” the union said.
The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of campus transportation, the conduct of shuttle drivers and the university’s response to medical emergencies.
Condemning the alleged actions of the driver, the union described the reported instruction to the student to hold on to a moving vehicle as dangerous and unacceptable.
It also criticised the alleged demand for the student’s identification card before treatment, stressing that emergency medical care should not be delayed by administrative procedures.
“In an emergency, the preservation of human life must take precedence over administrative requirements. No student should be denied or delayed emergency medical attention because of the inability to produce a medical card,” the statement added.
The SUG disclosed that the police had intervened in the matter and that the driver involved was in the custody of the relevant authorities.
It said it would allow investigations to proceed but called for anyone found responsible for the circumstances surrounding the student’s death to be held accountable.
The union further revealed that it had previously raised concerns with relevant stakeholders over the conduct of some campus shuttle drivers, including reckless driving, disregard for passenger safety and the alleged use of unroadworthy vehicles.
According to the SUG, its administration, led by Fele, had repeatedly engaged the appropriate authorities in an effort to address the concerns and prevent accidents.
“We have held meetings. We have raised concerns. We have made efforts to address these issues through the appropriate channels.
“It is therefore unacceptable that it should take the loss of a student’s life for these concerns to receive the urgency they deserve,” the union said.
Consequently, the SUG called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including the alleged actions of the driver and the involvement of other parties.
It also urged the university management to strengthen safety regulations governing campus transportation to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the university management has suspended lectures and other academic activities for two days in response to the student’s death.
In a separate statement signed by Wale Balogun on behalf of the Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs Division, the university confirmed the incident and said it occurred on Tuesday, November 10.
The management disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, had expressed condolences to the family, friends, coursemates and lecturers of the deceased.
“As a mark of respect and solidarity with the bereaved family and the university community, the management has directed that all lectures and academic activities be suspended for today, Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
“Normal academic activities will resume on Thursday, November 12, 2026,” the statement said.
The university also appealed to students to remain calm and avoid speculation or the circulation of unverified reports and graphic images of the incident on social media.
It urged members of the university community to respect the privacy of the bereaved family during the period of mourning.
The management reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring the welfare of students across the institution’s campuses.
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