Accident: Federal University Lokoja shut down indefinitely

The management of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, has shut down the institution indefinitely following growing tensions over the recent tragic accident that claimed the lives of five students.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, cited security concerns as the reason for the closure, emphasizing the need to prevent further loss of lives and property.

The crisis began after a trailer accident in Felele on Monday, February 17, 2025, killed five students of the institution. In response, students barricaded the university’s main gate, making access to the campus difficult for staff and visitors.

Despite interventions from the Kogi State Government and repeated pleas from the university management, the students refused to back down, prompting the decision to shut down both campuses indefinitely.
“Arising from the advice of state security agencies and to forestall further loss of lives and property, the Vice-Chancellor, after due consultation with the management, has decided on behalf of the Senate that the university be closed indefinitely,” the statement read.

Students were directed to vacate the campus by 12 noon on Thursday, February 20.

The protest intensified on Wednesday, with students, led by their Union President, Comrade Benjamin Olorunfemi Timothy, threatening to block the highway near the campus during the daytime to demand improved safety measures and prevent further accidents in the area.