How a Thunderstorm Led to the Electrocution of a University of Ilesa Student

A 100-level student of Business Administration at the University of Ilesa, Osun State, Gbolahan Ojolo, has died after being electrocuted while charging his mobile phone during a thunderstorm.

The university, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo, described the incident as a tragic and untimely loss that has deeply shaken the academic community.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on the evening of Friday, April 18, at a private hostel located near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction in Ilesa. Ojolo was reportedly playing a game on his phone, which was plugged into an outlet, when a lightning strike during the storm triggered the electrocution.

“The University deeply regrets the loss of such a promising young student. Gbolahan was electrocuted while using his phone, which was being charged at the time. The unfortunate event happened during a thunderstorm, and it is suspected that a lightning surge caused the fatal shock,” the Registrar stated.

Authorities were immediately notified, and following police clearance, the body was transferred to the morgue at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.

The University community has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, while also urging students to observe safety precautions during electrical storms.