Education
Controversy trails death of UNILAG student after final exams
The death of a 400-level student of the Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Adeniyi Ogundijo, has continued to generate controversy.
While some claimed that the 22-year-old committed suicide over poor performance in his final exams, his friends and family members said he was killed.
The school authorities, however, urged everyone to stop speculating on the cause of his death, saying the family kept mum when questioned by the management.
PUNCH Metro gathered that some suspects had been arrested by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, for interrogation.
Our correspondent also learnt that Ogundijo’s corpse had been deposited in a morgue pending the outcome of an autopsy.
The deceased and his course mates were said to have recently sat for their final exams and the results were released preparatory to their graduation.
A course mate, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the case, said the death was announced on a group chat.
He said, “We have a Whatsapp group chat and a course mate broke the news on the platform. The course mate had spoken to a relative of Niyi (Ogundijo), who said she lost her brother. The course mate asked to see his photo. Lo and behold, it was him. Although we got the news yesterday (Monday), we learnt he died on Saturday. A family member said he was with his friends when the incident happened. We also learnt that he had yet to return home since we finished the final exams.
“We have seen the results of all our papers. There are insinuations that he took local insecticide, Sniper. He was probably killed and those who did it made it appear like he committed suicide. Two of his friends have been arrested by the police. To the best of my knowledge, Niyi was a good student. He interacted well with people and had no reason to kill himself.”
A family member of the victim, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ogundijo was on a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.2 (Second Class Lower), adding that he did not know the result of the final exams.
He noted that although the victim was a loner, he could not have committed suicide.
He said, “I don’t know where people got the idea that my brother committed suicide because he failed some courses. Why should he wait till his final year to do that? I have been in worse situations. I know my brother was a loner and could be quiet, but it did not mean he was depressed. I spoke to him this week and we had a good conversation. There was no issue with the family or anybody at all.
“About five of his friends have been arrested over this. Although I don’t know about the results of their final exams, his CGPA was 2.2 before the incident happened.”
PUNCH Metro obtained a text message purportedly circulated by the Office of the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Ademola Adeleke.
“I am saddened to confirm the untimely death of Mr Ogundijo Adeniyi Samson, of the Department of Microbiology with Matric no. 140807008. We have spoken to the father, who confirmed the death.
“He, however, declined to give additional information on the cause, nature or time of death. The DSA is arranging a condolence visit to the family. Kindly stop the speculation on the cause of death,” the message read.
At least two students of the university confirmed receiving the message.
Adeleke, when contacted on the telephone, said he was in Abuja and could not comment on the incident.
The Principal Assistant Registrar, Communications Unit, University of Lagos, Mrs Taiwo Oloyede, said the victim died outside the campus.
“The cause or nature of his death is not known. Here at the University of Lagos, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we wish eternal rest for the soul of the departed,” she added.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation was ongoing.
He said, “The deceased was a student who normally visited his friend from time to time. His friend and uncle lived in the same house. He had gone on the visit as usual when the friend and uncle later went out. By the time they returned to the house, they found him dead with an empty container of Sniper.
“However, the police are looking at a possible case of murder. Forensic investigation is being carried out on his corpse. Meanwhile, the uncle and friend are in our custody.”
In March 2016, a 300-level student of the same department, Eniola Jacob, was reported to have taken Sniper.
Jacob, who stayed in a hostel on the campus, was rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi araba, where doctors battled to save his life until he died.
Source: Punch
In a sweeping act of educational support, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has channelled a staggering ₦86.3 billion into the hands of 450,000 students, marking a defining moment in the nation’s push for accessible higher education .
From Promise to Reality
When President Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act in April 2024, few could have fully predicted the scale of impact it would soon generate . Today’s announcement brings that law to vivid life, converting legislative intent into tangible aid for nearly half a million students across Nigeria.
Stories Behind the Numbers
Imagine a first-year engineering student in Onitsha, Onitsha—previously faced with the real possibility of abandoning school mid-semester—now able to pay her tuition and housing bills, thanks to her NELFUND loan. Across the country, hopeful minds in remote communities, technical colleges, and vocational training centres are likewise experiencing a renewed sense of possibility.
Systemic Reach, Individual Impact
This isn’t a one-off dispersal—rather, it’s part of a growing continuum. Just back in February, NELFUND had already extended institutional loan support amounting to ₦22.7 billion for 215,514 students for the 2023/2024 academic year . The latest disbursement now significantly broadens that scope, both in scale and inclusivity.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Future
Amplified Access: Undeniably, ₦86.3 billion rightfully earned the label “transformative.” By bringing nearly half a million students into the fold, NELFUND is widening higher-education access in a way previously unthought-of.
Economic Ripple Effect: Beyond tuition, these loans buffer expenses for books, living costs, and skill development—fueling markets and nurturing local economies across urban and rural areas alike.
Hope Becomes Tangible: For parents, caretakers, and students, financial obstacles no longer have to determine academic fate. This funding turns distant aspirations into concrete realities.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria’s youth press forward, armed with education and determination, the question turns to sustainability. Will NELFUND maintain this momentum? How will the repayment plans and administrative systems evolve to ensure long-term viability?
Still, for now, the spotlight is rightly on the students—those who can now look toward graduation with renewed hope and purpose.
Education
South East Educators Conference (SEEC) 2025 Set to Transform the Future of Education in Nigeria
“…SEEC 2025 will equip every stakeholder to not only adapt to change—but to drive it,” says Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro.
A new wave of educational transformation is coming! The highly anticipated South East Educators Conference (SEEC) 2025 is set to take place from May 2nd to 3rd, 2025 at the prestigious Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, under the powerful theme: “Advancing Education: Innovation, Leadership & Transformation.”
Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, Convener of SEEC, said this year’s edition promises to be the most impactful yet, gathering a dynamic blend of visionaries, thought leaders, innovators, educators, and policymakers to drive conversations, collaborations, and commitments that will shape the future of education in Nigeria and beyond.
Keynote Speakers
The Convener said the keynote speakers include; His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke – former Governor of Cross River State and Founder, the Bridge Leadership Foundation and a statesman passionate about youth development and sustainable leadership, is among the pious keynote speakers.
Also, “Mr. Paul Onwuanibe – CEO, Landmark Group – a trailblazing entrepreneur whose insight into innovation and infrastructure development will challenge educational stakeholders to think big and build boldly”.
Other Speakers include;
Rotimi Eyitayo – CEO, Teammasters & Education Business School, Chinoso Ogbogu – Co-Founder, Sabi Writers, Rhoda Odigboh – Education Thought Leader & Regional Director Kizazi, Dr. Joy Isa – President Isa School Of Education & Educational Strategist, Fisayo Oludipe – Education Consultant & Leadership Coach, and Susan Charles – Learning Innovator, Moyo Lifematics – Mathematics Educator & Content Creator, Eben Odetola Israel – EdTech Advocate, Mr. Ogunsola – STEM Educator, and Yinka Ogunde – CEO, Edumark Consult. “…and many more voices of influence across Africa’s educational and leadership landscape!”
Highlights to Look Forward to:
“Gala Night – A celebration of brilliance, impact, and community; Movie Night – A night of reflection and bonding through storytelling; Educator Awards – Honoring those who go beyond the call of duty to inspire change; Breakout Sessions & Masterclasses – Practical, hands-on learning experiences, and Exhibitions & EdTech Showcases – Featuring tools, innovations, and solutions for the future-ready educator.
“SEEC 2025 is not just a conference. It is a movement—a call to action for educators, school owners, government stakeholders, parents, and youth advocates to come together and reimagine the future of learning, teaching, and leadership in Africa.
“We believe education is the engine of national development. SEEC 2025 will equip every stakeholder to not only adapt to change—but to drive it,” says Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, added.
To participate at SEEC2025, register via the link and secure your slot. www.southeasteducatorsconference.com.
Follow the conversation online using #SEEC2025 and tag us @southeasteducationconference on all platforms. For sponsorship, media partnerships, or exhibition opportunities, contact us at [email protected]
… As Mbah canvasses higher admission quota for ESUT Law Faculty
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says the state government will soon commence the construction of an ultramodern auditorium for the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Nigerian Law School at Agbani in Enugu State, stressing his administration’s readiness to support the campus to excel as a citadel of legal education in Nigeria.
Mbah made this known when he received a team of the Council of Legal Education at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday commending the Council for its work in guiding and nurturing teaching and learning in the Law School.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, equally canvassed for an increase in the admission quota of the Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, to create more opportunities for the increasing population of the state’s indigenes and residents wishing to study Law.
“Quite frankly, the expansion in the number of campuses of the Law School makes their management and coordination more challenging, but that is inevitable because of the increasing number of our brothers and sisters, who seek to become lawyers.
“I want to assure you that with respect to the commitment of our government and our state to enhance the facilities at that Law School, Agbani, the date for the groundbreaking ceremony for the auditorium will be communicated to you sooner than you would imagine.
“This is also an opportunity to request that you consider increasing the admission quota of the ESUT Faulty of Law because of the teeming number of our people that want to study law. On our part, we are determined to put all necessary infrastructure and human capital in place to make it one of the best Law faculties in the entire country because in Enugu, we prioritise education,” the governor stated.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, commended the Governor Mbah Administration for its commitment to the development of legal education in the country.
“Sometime ago, the governor hosted a delegation of the management saff of the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Law School here at the Government House. On that occasion, the governor sought to know the urgent needs of the Campus at Agbani. Upon hearing the request, he, on behalf of Enugu State Government, offered to build an ultramodern auditorium for the Nigerian Law School at Agbani.
“In addition to that, he also offered to appeal to Pinnacle Oil and Gas to build a Moot Court for the Augustine Nnamani Campus as part of his infrastructural support to the institution.
“So, we made it a point that before we set out to other places, including a visit to other law faculties that require accreditation, our first port of call would be to come to the Government House to pay our respect to the government and people of Enugu State to say thank you for the offer the state government has made,” Ngige said.
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