Nigerian university shuts campus over students protest

The management of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State has announced the indefinite closure of the institution following a protest over the death of five students in a trailer accident on Monday.

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In a circular issued on Thursday, the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Rebecca Okojie, said the closure was necessary to prevent further unrest after students barricaded the school gates despite interventions from the Kogi State government and the university management’s appeal for calm.

“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Management has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down indefinitely within one hour of release of this circular,” the memo reads in part.

“Students are therefore to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20th February, 2025.”

Accident and protest

Five students of the institution were killed on Monday after a heavy duty truck carrying palm oil and firewood lost control and rammed into their shuttle bus along the Felele-Abuja highway in Lokoja.

On his visit to the venue on Tuesday, the state governor, Ahmed Ododo, set up a committee to find a lasting solution to the safety concerns. According to a statement on the state’s website, the committee comprises the security adviser to the governor, Commissioners for Youths and Sports, Education, Lokoja Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), the Vice Chancellor of the university and the Student Union President.

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Mr Ododo, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hilary Eguwah, also expressed his condolences to the management, staff and students of the institution, describing it as both dreadful and horrific.

However, videos on social media on Thursday show students protesting outside the university carrying placards.