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Tag: Adekunle Ajasin University

  • Two Ondo varsity students drowned during hotel pool party

    Two Ondo varsity students drowned during hotel pool party

    …police quiz hotel manager, launches probe

    Two undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have died after reportedly drowning in a hotel swimming pool during a party organised for newly matriculated students.

    The victims were identified as Adegbola Blessing, 19, and Oludere Opeyemi, 22. They were said to have drowned during a swimming pool party hosted by the hotel to celebrate newly admitted students.

    The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital.

    Abayomi said the incident was first reported at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters by the hotel’s pool manager, identified simply as Shittu.

    “On the 29th of January, 2026, a report was received at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters from one Shittu, male, the pool manager of University Lounge and Hotel, Akungba-Akoko, regarding an unfortunate incident that occurred during a swimming pool party organized by the hotel for newly matriculated students.

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    “According to the report, at about 2000hrs on the same date, one Adegbola Blessing, male, aged 19 years, was discovered unconscious inside the hotel’s swimming pool. He was immediately rescued by the pool manager and administered first aid. The victim reportedly regained consciousness, was able to stand, and was subsequently taken home by his friends.

    “Shortly thereafter, another individual, Oludere Opeyemi, male, aged 22 years, was also discovered unconscious in the swimming pool. He was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel,” he said in the statement.

    Abayomi added, “Following the report, operatives of the Akungba Divisional Police Station were promptly deployed to the scene on the night of the incident to commence investigation. Meanwhile, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, a female, and the pool manager were invited for questioning as part of the preliminary investigation.

    “Further developments occurred in the early hours of 30th January, 2026, at about 0700hrs, when the first victim, Adegbola Blessing, was reported to have also passed on. Consequently, the case was transferred to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for discreet, thorough, and comprehensive investigation.”

    He revealed that the remains of the deceased persons have been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko morgue for an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation process.

    Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, called on hotel owners and operators across the state to prioritise guest safety by installing functional safety equipment, ensuring proper supervision around swimming pools, and enforcing safety regulations to prevent avoidable incidents.

    Adebowale, however, assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be fully investigated and any culpability established, appealing to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations continue.

  • JUST IN: ASUU suspends four-months strike in in Ondo varsity

    JUST IN: ASUU suspends four-months strike in in Ondo varsity

    Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State have suspended their four-month-old strike.

    The lecturers had, in August, embarked on an indefinite industrial action over the non-payment of salaries and arrears by the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Chairman of the AAUA ASUU chapter, Comrade Bolawaji Oshodi, confirmed the suspension in an interview with The Nation on Monday. 

    He said the union decided to resume academic activities after reaching an understanding with the university management.

    “For now, we have suspended the strike. Everything is based on the agreement we had with the university management. Management has been very supportive, too, and we understand.

    “We are still being owed one month salary, but based on our love for the system and our students, we have resolved to suspend the strike,” Oshodi said.

    ASUU AAUA had earlier issued a letter signed by Oshodi and the union’s secretary, Olusegun Taiwo, notifying the university of the withdrawal of their services over unpaid salaries and arrears.

    “This is in line with the resolution taken at the Congress of Thursday, August 21, 2025, over the non-payment of our salaries and arrears.

    “By this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from all academic activities in the University until all our outstanding salaries and arrears are paid,” the letter read.

    The union said it’s had written multiple letters to both the university management and the state government over the lingering non-payment of wages.

    According to Oshodi, the lecturers resorted to a “total strike” to press home their demands.

    “But to be sincere, the major problem we are facing is funding. The state government is not funding the university. As I speak now, we are being owed two months’ salaries (July and August).

    “This is aside several arrears, promotion arrears, essence workload and others running into billions. The state government is not forthcoming. So, we made up our minds that until everything is addressed, we’re not going back,” he said.

  • AAUA students kick as management hikes tuition fees

    AAUA students kick as management hikes tuition fees

    Students of Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have protested upward review of tuition fees by the management.

    It was learnt that the university increased school fees, particularly for ‘freshers’ (newly admitted students), ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session.

    In a statement issued at the weekend, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) expressed displeasure about the hike, describing it as “sudden and inconsiderate.”

    The statement, jointly signed by the SUG President, Salami Akeem, General Secretary, Bakare Jamiu Abiodun, and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mosadoluwa Ajidaba, said the increment had thrown many students, especially those who were self-sponsored – into “fear and dismay.”

    “It is pertinent to inform the student populace that we are not unconscious of the increment in school fees, which has left many in fear and dismay, especially those who sponsor themselves.

    “While we understand that not all of us are born with silver spoons, efforts and consultations are ongoing to seek reduction in the highly increased fees.

    “Students, especially the newly-admitted ones, are advised not to make any payment or proceed with registration until our engagements with management yield positive results,” the statement said.

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    The university management said academic activities for the 2025/2026 session would begin on November 9.

    In a statement signed by the Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, the institution directed fresh and returning students to resume as scheduled, noting that registration and lectures would follow a phased calendar.

    According to the statement, online screening and registration for fresh students – as well as registration for returning students – will take place between November 9 and 15, while physical resumption and faculty-based course exposition are slated for November 16 to 22.

    It added that lectures are expected to begin on November 23.

    The statement said the first semester would run for 19 weeks – comprising two weeks for resumption and registration, 12 weeks for lectures, one week for revision and four weeks for examinations.

    Arajulu, however, urged students to adhere to the approved academic calendar and ensure prompt payment of fees, to enable a smooth academic process.

  • Ondo varsity lecturers threaten to disrupt resumption, convocation over unpaid salaries

    Ondo varsity lecturers threaten to disrupt resumption, convocation over unpaid salaries

    • Commissioner: govt has not abandoned varsity

    Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), owned by Ondo State Government, have threatened to disrupt the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation, if their outstanding salaries are not paid.

    The lecturers, under the umbrella of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on strike last month over the non-payment of their salaries and arrears, a development that has since paralysed academic and social activities on campus.

    The Chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi, said the lecturers had exercised enough patience over the alleged refusal by the government to address their plight.

    “We have been patient and tolerant for long, but this time, we won’t be again. Our people have been pushed to the wall. We are not seeing any effort that can signal that the state government is ready to do the right thing,” Oshodi said.

    He said efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been unsuccessful.

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    According to him, lecturers had endured harsh conditions, including conducting examinations “on an empty stomach.”

    Reacting, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the institution.

    He said the state government had been engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the dispute and assured people that the issues would soon be addressed.

    He said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had continued to release monthly subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.  

  • AAUA lecturers threaten to disrupt resumption, convocation over unpaid salaries

    AAUA lecturers threaten to disrupt resumption, convocation over unpaid salaries

    Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), owned by the Ondo state government, have threatened to disrupt the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation ceremony if their outstanding salaries are not paid.

    The lecturers, under the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on strike last month over the non-payment of their salaries and arrears, a development that has since paralyzed academic and social activities on campus.

    Speaking, the chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi, said the lecturers had exercised enough patience over the alleged refusal of the government to address their plight.

    “We have been patient and tolerant for a long time, but this time, we won’t be again. Our people have been pushed to the wall. We are not seeing any efforts that can signal that the state government is ready to do the right thing,” Oshodi said.

    He stressed that despite several requests, efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been unsuccessful.

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    According to him, lecturers had endured harsh conditions, including conducting examinations, “On an empty stomach,” yet continued to show commitment to their students and the institution.

    Oshodi further lamented the neglect of the university, saying the institution had not received adequate government funding for the past seven years.

    “If you get to AAUA today, you will be disappointed, even though it is a pioneer university of the state. No capital project has been carried out by the state government in the last seven years.

    “The access road is in a deplorable state, lecture rooms, hostels, and offices are in bad condition, and most of the visible structures on campus are TETFUND projects,” he added.

    But in a swift reaction, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the institution.

    Ajibefun explained that the state government had been engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the dispute, assuring that the issues would soon be addressed.

    He noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had continued to release monthly subventions to all state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.

  • Midnight fire destroys shops, goods worth millions near Ondo varsity

    Midnight fire destroys shops, goods worth millions near Ondo varsity

    …victims lost laptops, phones, freezers

    A midnight inferno has gutted a row of locked-up shops opposite Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, destroying goods valued at millions of naira.

    The fire, which started around 10 p.m. on Thursday, razed several shops, consuming items such as laptops, electronics, freezers, and mobile phones, leaving traders devastated.

    One of the victims, identified as Prince, said he lost over 400 laptops to the blaze. “I repair laptops, and all my tools and gadgets were burnt to ashes. I don’t know what to do; everything is gone,” he lamented.

    Another affected trader, a woman who preferred anonymity, said she lost deep freezers, drinks, and electronics. “Before we got here yesterday, the shops had already been razed. Some who sell phones here were also affected,” she said.

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    Eyewitnesses recounted how the fire spread rapidly through the row of shops, leaving owners helpless as they watched their investments reduced to rubble.

    One source suggested the fire may have been triggered by an electrical spark in one of the locked-up shops.

    As of Friday, officials of the Ondo State Fire Service had yet to comment on the incident.

  • Police rescue one of two abducted AAUA SSANU member

    Police rescue one of two abducted AAUA SSANU member

    The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of one of the senior staff member of the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), by suspected gunmen.

    Its spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Olayinka Ayanlade, who broke the news yesterday in Akure, said two AAUA staff members were initially abducted, but one was rescued, following swift police intervention.

    “Two AAUA staff were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. However, our men responded quickly and were able to rescue one,” Ayanlade said.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered that the rescued staff member be debriefed for intelligence gathering, while efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi, the Faculty Officer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)

    Eleyinmi was kidnapped at his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, on Monday night shortly after returning from work.

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    A senior lecturer, who pleaded anonymity, said the gunmen stormed the victim’s residence around 7:00 p.m., shooting sporadically to scare away residents before whisking him away.

    “One of our SSANU members, Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi was kidnapped at his residence this evening at Supare-Akoko. He had just returned from work when the incident occurred,” the source stated.

    The victim’s wife, who narrowly escaped the attack, said her husband was not at home when the attackers first arrived.

    She said the kidnappers were still at the premises, firing gunshots, when Mr Eleyinmi returned, only to be seized and taken away immediately.

    The whereabouts of Mr. Eleyinmi remains unknown, while police operations continue in the area.

  • AAUA: Police to extend school protection squad to Ondo tertiary institutions

    AAUA: Police to extend school protection squad to Ondo tertiary institutions

    The Ondo State Police Command has revealed its plans to extend its School Protection Squad (SPS) to include tertiary institutions in the state, starting with the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

    The development came after the murder of the two undergraduate students of the AAUA, Andrew Eloho Okah and John Friday Abba, allegedly murdered by their landlord, Femi Oladele.

    Last week, Oladele, who was arrested by the police as the prime suspect in the murder case, died in the hospital after developing a strange illness.

    Recall that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had in April launched the School Protection Squad (SPS) in Edo State as part of efforts to ensure security and a conducive learning environment for teachers and students in the state.

    Speaking during his visit to the university on Thursday, the commissioner of police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, explained that the SPS initiative originally set up for secondary schools would now be extended to cover universities and other higher institutions in the state.

    CP Lawal, who commiserated with the management of the AAU over the murder of their students, said the command will increase police visibility in and around the institution’s campus.

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    He noted that the police would also be deploying both uniformed and plainclothes officers to the university community to enhance surveillance.

    While lauding the proactive security measures taken by AAUA’s management, the police boss said the security efforts would be in collaboration with tactical teams of the police command, who would be stationed periodically to ensure round-the-clock security.

    “We are also looking to revive the Student-Police Relations Committee,” the CP said, “to encourage open dialogue and prevent issues from escalating.”

    Remarking, the vice chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to partnering with law enforcement and other security agencies to enhance safety within the campus and its host community.

    Prof. Ige emphasised the institution’s dedication to safeguarding students and staff, stating that the safety of their lives and property remains a top priority. 

    “We are ready to go the extra mile to support the police in flushing out criminal elements from our environment,” he said.

    The VC, however, appealed to the Ondo CP to consider deploying more police personnel to both the university and the Akungba community while soliciting for stronger cooperation among stakeholders, including neighbouring communities and various security outfits.

  • Prime suspect in murder of varsity students develops ‘strange illness’, dies in hospital

    Prime suspect in murder of varsity students develops ‘strange illness’, dies in hospital

    • AAUA students demand corpse

    Grieving students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State yesterday demanded the corpse of the prime suspect, Femi Oladele, who allegedly orchestrated the murder of their two missing colleagues.

    Their demand followed confirmation by the state’s police command of the reported death of Oladele in a hospital after falling sick on Friday.

    Sources who spoke to our correspondent yesterday revealed that the prime suspect suddenly developed a strange illness after allegedly making a confessional statement about the brutal killing of the two students and their burial in a shallow grave.

    One of the sources, who pleaded anonymity, told our reporter that the suspect – arrested alongside two other accomplices in the murder case – was rushed to the hospital where he gave up the ghost.

    “Tallex (Oladele) is dead. He gave up at the hospital yesterday after he made some confessions to the police over the killing of the two Akungba students. I learnt he had fallen sick shortly after he was arrested,” he said.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the death of the suspect when contacted on the phone, saying he was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost.

    Ayanlade, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the suspect, who allegedly orchestrated the brutal murder of the students who also doubled as his tenants, had been in and out of the hospital before he died yesterday.

    He said: “Yes, he is dead. Following his arrest, the suspect (Oladele) had been in and out of the hospital under close medical supervision and was receiving adequate care before he died in the early hours of yesterday.

    “As of now, the decomposing remains of Okah have been recovered while efforts are ongoing to locate Abba’s body.” 

    The police spokesman explained that two additional suspects identified as one Kola and Micheal, who allegedly withdrew the sum of N800,000 from the late Abba’s account, had been arrested and was in custody, fully cooperating with investigation.

    “So, we are asking members of the public to disregard any distorted narratives seeking to divert attention from the facts, and the Command can assure that justice will be fully pursued and all those involved will be made to face the full weight of the law.

    The two missing undergraduate students, Andrew Eloho Okah and Nohn Friday Abbah, were allegedly kidnapped and subsequently murdered by Oladele. 

    The suspect, popularly known as ‘Tallex’, was the students’ landlord.

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    He was said to have ordered suspected cultists to deal with the victims for allegedly being disrespectful to him.

    The two undergraduate students were consequently abducted, robbed, raped and murdered. 

    The Nation had earlier reported the grim discovery of their bodies near the Ondo-Ekiti border weeks after their course mates declared them missing and absent from classes.

    “Although we deeply sympathise with the families, friends and academic communities of the victims and remain unwavering in our commitment to justice and public safety,” he said.

    In a statement it issued yesterday, however, the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution, apparently suspecting foul play, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and untimely death of their two colleagues and also demanded to see Oladele’s corpse.

    The statement, jointly signed by the trio of Salami Akeem, President; Bakare Abiodun, General Secretary and Ajidagba Mosadoluwa, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the SUG, noted that the gruesome murder of the two students had plunged the entire university community into mourning.

    They noted that the death of the suspect has raised pressing questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the murder case of their colleagues.

    The statement said: “Earlier today, it was reported that one of the suspects linked to the murder of the two students had died in a hospital while in custody.

    “This sudden development has further intensified the call for transparency and accountability from the Nigerian Police Force.

    “In light of this, the Students’ Union is demanding that the Nigeria Police immediately produce the body of the deceased suspect.

    “We are giving the police a strict ultimatum of 24 hours from the release of this statement to comply with this demand.” 

    While demanding justice for the killing of their two colleagues, the students’ union leaders said a thorough, transparent and fair investigation must be carried out by the police over the muder case.

    They noted that it is the least owed to the grieving families, the university’s community and the general public, stressing that findings related to the murder case must be made public and handled with the highest level of integrity.

    They also charged the police to act with full responsibility, professionalism and commitment to justice.

    “We are bringing this demand directly to the attention of the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal.

    “We reiterate that our demands must be met within the given time frame in order not to result in a mass demonstration by all the students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and other concerned Nigerian students.

    “This protest will be carried out physically as enshrined in our rights as citizens, to demand transparency, accountability and the proper handling of this sensitive matter.

    “The Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its members.”

  • Alumni are bedrock of education funding, says Adekunle Ajasin varsity ex-VC

    Alumni are bedrock of education funding, says Adekunle Ajasin varsity ex-VC

    A former Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in Ondo State, Prof.  Igbekele Ajibefun, has said alumni associations’ massive investment in academic and infrastructural growth of their alma mater has reduced the challenges of inadequate funding, low teacher quality, poor infrastructure and inconsistent education policy.

    Ajibefun said despite the transformation in the education sector in Nigeria at all levels, through the implementation of different policies, the need for more diverse income sources has become pertinent in circumstances where governments have been less willing to invest in education.

    Delivering an alumni lecture at the occasion of Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the United Grammar School (UGS), Ode Irele, Ondo State, titled: “Education and National Development: The Role of Alumni Association”,  he said alumni are greatest asset of a school and most loyal supporters, as fundraising prospects for any school, generate invaluable word-of-mouth marketing among their social and professional networks and are great role models for current students and are often well-placed to offer practical support to students as they start their careers

     Adequate funding of education, he said, is critical because education “is the bedrock of socio-economic development of any nation”.

    According to him, “A good education offers citizens the opportunity to live better and more meaningful lives. Education creates opportunities for people to solve societal problems.

    “Nigeria’s situation today calls for Alumni active involvement in education funding and schools’ development. The current infrastructural decay, inadequate teachers, dilapidated classrooms and laboratories are serious challenges that act as obstacles to quality education. In addition, the economic situation in Nigeria has incapacitated many parents in financing the education of their children.

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    “Government at various levels also finds it difficult to allocate enough resources to take care of the challenges facing Nigerian education sector.  It is a known fact that government alone cannot fund education. This is true of any nation, no matter how rich it is. Private sector involvement in education is, therefore, critical in providing quality education. Nigeria cannot be an exception. It is, therefore, important for schools to look into the direction of fundraising through alumni associations.”

    Ajibefun, who was represented by Dr. Edamisan Ikuemenisan of Adekunle Ajasin University, said: “Alumni are often in the position to engage the expertise of the school in their professional career. Alumni are the ambassadors of their schools.

    “They take the knowledge acquired from the school to different places and to their professional and social networks. Therefore, a school that maintains a good relationship with its alumni will also enjoy positive promotion from the alumni and vice versa.  Hence, it is important to maintain effective communication channels with alumni to keep them informed of the school’s achievements and make them part of the school’s future, and not just its past.”

    Commending members of the United Grammar School Old Student Association, (UGSOSA) of which he is a member, Ajibefun urged them to maintain, nurture, develop and manage their relationship for mutual long-term benefits, adding: “Alumni are the only stakeholders you cannot exchange.

     You might lose students, even dismiss staff, and ownership might change, but alumni are there for a lifetime.”