Tragedy struck in Ilesa, Osun State, on Friday, April 18, as Gbolahan Ojolo, a 100-level student of the University of Ilesa, lost his life after being electrocuted while charging and using his mobile phone during a thunderstorm.
Ojolo, a student in the Department of Business Administration, was reportedly playing a game on his phone as it charged in his private hostel near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute junction when a lightning strike triggered a surge that led to his electrocution.
The incident was confirmed by the University’s Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo, in an official statement released on Saturday.
“The Management of the University of Ilesa deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojolo,” the statement read.
“The unfortunate incident occurred in the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025, while Gbolahan was playing a game on his mobile phone, which was being charged in his room. The electrocution was reportedly caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.”
Following the incident, the university management promptly informed the police. After necessary procedures were completed, the student’s remains were moved to the Wesley Guild Hospital morgue in Ilesa.
Mr. Ojo noted that the police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The University has made arrangements to support the family during this time of intense grief and will continue to stand by them through this difficult period,” the Registrar added.
“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 department.”
The tragic incident has cast a shadow of mourning over the university, with many calling for increased awareness about the dangers of using mobile devices during thunderstorms.
