A 100-level student of the University of Ilesa, UNILESA, Osun State, Gbolahan Ojolo, has died after being electrocuted while charging his phone during a thunderstorm.
The sad incident happened on Friday evening, April 18, 2025, at a private hostel near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute junction in Ilesa.
In a statement released on Saturday, the university’s Registrar, Mr Funso Ojo, said, “The unfortunate incident occurred on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025. Gbolahan was electrocuted while playing a game on his mobile phone, which was being charged in his room.”
He added that the electrocution was believed to have been caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.
The university confirmed that the police were quickly informed and have since started a full investigation into what led to the incident. After getting police clearance, Gbolahan’s body was moved to the morgue at Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa.
The university also revealed that the student’s father was informed without delay and arrived in Ilesa soon after.
“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 physically present to receive and console the bereaved father,” the statement added.
UNILESA has promised to support the grieving family and asked for prayers for Gbolahan’s soul.
