The electrocution was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.
A student named Gbolahan Ojolo, who was enrolled in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Ilesa in Osun State, was electrocuted as he was charging his cell phone.
Ojolo was reportedly in his room at a private hostel close to the PEDI junction when the incident happened. The university administration has reached out to his grieving parents, and his body was later transferred to the mortuary.
The school expressed its profound sorrow at the tragic and untimely passing of the young student in a statement that was signed and released on Saturday by Funso Ojo, the institution’s Registrar.
According to the report, a lightning strike that occurred during a thunderstorm was the primary cause of the electrocution.
The sad incident took place on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025, according to Ojo’s explanation.
The Registrar said, “Gbolahan was electrocuted while playing a game on his mobile phone, which was being charged in his room at a private hostel located near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction. The electrocution was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.
“Following the incident, the University promptly informed the Police, and after due clearance, the remains of the deceased were taken to the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.
“The Police have since commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The father of the deceased was immediately notified and has since arrived in Ilesa. In a show of deep concern and solidarity, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Asaolu; the Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo; the Dean of Student Affairs; the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences; the Head of the Department of Business Administration; and the Area Commander of Police were all present to receive and console the bereaved father.
“The entire University community mourns this painful loss and prays for the repose of Gbolahan’s soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration.”