By Mercy Aliwo.
Federal University, Lokoja closes indefinitely following a fatal accident which claimed the lives of 5 students.
OBSERVERS TIMES recalled that the heavy-duty vehicle – carrying palm oil and firewood and heading to Abuja – rammed into a shuttle taking FUL students to school at Felele, Lokoja.
As a sign of respect to the departed students, the school has “declared lecture-free days effective from 12 noon on Tuesday, 18th February and all day Wednesday, 19th February 2025”.
All university activities will also be on a low-key “while the institution’s flag will fly at half-mast as a symbol of mourning,” he said.
The varsity’s management extended its “thoughts and prayers” to the families, and friends of the victims and the campus community “during this difficult time”.
The unedited statement from the school obtained by the OBSERVERS TIMES read :
February 20th, 2025
CIRCULAR TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY: STAFF AND STUDENTS
INDEFINITE CLOSURE OF THE UNIVERSITY
Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17th February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.
Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Mangement has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down INDEFINITELY within one hour of release of this circular.
Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20 February, 2025.
Please note for strict compliance.
Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie
Registrar & Secretary to Council.
