The death of a student of Kanmi Alo Interlink Polytechnic, Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, has continued to generate reactions among students and stakeholders, with growing calls for justice, accountability, and reforms within the institution
The incident involved Adetifa Oluwaseun, popularly known among colleagues as “Jagun Jagun,” an ND II Mass Communication student whose death has sparked protests, public outrage, and renewed concerns over students’ welfare within the institution.
According to reports gathered, the deceased was allegedly prevented from participating in an examination over an outstanding school fee balance of ₦5,000 despite reportedly paying a substantial part of the required fees.
Narrating the incident in a public statement, former Students’ Union Government President of Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Comrade Senator Ajibade Daniel Kehinde, described the development as “unfortunate and tragic.”
“It is with deep pain and a heavy heart that I address the unfortunate and tragic incident involving one of the students,” the statement read.
Ajibade further stated that the student allegedly pleaded with officials to allow him write the examination while promising to complete the balance later but was reportedly instructed to travel to Ilesa to complete the payment before participating in the examination.
“Sadly, while on his way to the bank in Ilesa, he was involved in a fatal accident that claimed his life instantly,” the statement added.
The incident has since triggered emotional reactions among students, many of whom questioned the stress associated with the institution’s payment process, which reportedly requires students to travel outside the campus environment for certain transactions.
Reacting to the situation, Ajibade condemned what he described as an unsafe and stressful payment structure imposed on students.
“It is unacceptable that in this modern age, students still face such unnecessary risks due to the absence of an effective and accessible payment system within the campus environment,” he stated.
Amid the growing tension, protests reportedly erupted among students demanding justice over the incident and calling for improved welfare measures within the institution.
However, the protests were followed by reports of arrests involving some students.
One of the students identified in connection with the protest is Amos Pelumi John, an HND I Mass Communication student, who was reportedly arrested and arraigned before a court.
According to the statement, “Reports also indicate that allegations of kidnapping were later linked to him, claims which many students have strongly questioned and described as unclear and unconvincing.”
Another student, Timileyin Oni Ige, an ND II Science Laboratory Technology student, was also reportedly arrested on Friday, May 15, 2026, in relation to developments surrounding the protest and damages allegedly sustained by a vehicle linked to the incident.
The development has further intensified conversations around students’ rights, representation, and institutional policies within the polytechnic community.
Ajibade also criticized what he described as intimidation and suppression of students demanding accountability over the incident.
“I strongly condemn every attempt to silence the voices of students who are only demanding justice, accountability, and safer conditions within their institution,” he said.
The former student leader further argued that the absence of a functional Students’ Union Government within the institution has contributed to students lacking proper representation during periods of crisis.
“The absence of a functional and independent Students’ Union Government has also left students without proper representation and protection in times of crisis,” the statement noted.
Among the demands raised were the immortalization of the deceased student, the immediate release of arrested students, the establishment of an independent Students’ Union Government, and the introduction of an improved payment system within the institution.
“I hereby demand the immediate release of all arrested students,” Ajibade stated, while also calling for “the introduction of an effective online/portal payment system within the institution.”
The incident has continued to attract attention from students, rights advocates, and concerned members of the public, with many calling on the management of the institution, security agencies, and relevant authorities to ensure justice and prevent further escalation of tensions within the campus community.
As conversations surrounding the incident continue, many students say they hope the tragedy will lead to reforms capable of improving student welfare and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
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