University Student on Way to Submit Final Project Killed by Speeding Car

A final year student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was tragically killed on Thursday in a road accident near the university campus. The student, identified as Esu Rita Ema from the Department of Foreign Languages, was struck by a car while attempting to cross the Ife-Ibadan road at the university’s gate.

The incident occurred as Ema was on her way to submit her final year project to her supervisor. According to the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, a “reckless driver” operating a Lexus car hit the student. The vehicle, bearing Abuja registration number ABJ 427 LQ, was driven by one Lasisi Sodiq Segun.

Members of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) promptly arrived at the scene, recovered the student’s body, and transported it to the mortuary at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex at approximately 12:35 p.m. The driver involved in the accident has since been arrested by the Nigerian Police for further investigation.

In response to the tragedy, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Bamire, expressed his deep condolences to the student’s family. Through the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Adeolu Odedire, Bamire conveyed his sorrow, stating, “If it is very sad to lose a domestic animal, how can anyone quantify the loss of a child, especially a grown-up child who was a young, promising adult with a lot of potential? A final year student for that matter.”

The Vice-Chancellor urged the grieving family, friends, and classmates to find solace in faith, assuring them that “the Lord will give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”