After days of speculation surrounding the alleged killing of a student, the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has confirmed the tragic death of one of its students during an unauthorised sign-out celebration.
In a statement released by the Registrar, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, the university disclosed that the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market in Ogbomoso.
The deceased, identified as Babalola Marvelous Olanrewaju, was a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He was reportedly shot during the gathering and later died from his injuries.
Mr. Balogun reiterated that the university had officially banned sign-out activities since 2023. Prior warnings had also been issued to hotels, event centres, and other venues within and around Ogbomoso, urging them not to host such events involving students.
Despite these directives, preliminary investigations revealed that a group of students proceeded with a sign-out celebration on a football pitch located within the Wazo Ultramodern Market. The gathering took a tragic turn when Babalola was allegedly shot at the venue.
Upon receiving a distress call, the acting Dean of Student Affairs contacted the Oyo State Police Command in Ogbomoso. This led to the swift deployment of officers from both the monitoring unit and the area command.
Authorities were able to confirm the victim’s identity through a search of his belongings and cross-referencing with university records. His body was subsequently transported to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital morgue.
The university stated that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation and has notified the student’s parents.
“The management extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased,” the statement read. “May God grant him eternal rest, and may his family find comfort during this difficult time.”
