UNILAG, while expressing regret, reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of the university community.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has confirmed the death of a male food vendor, identified as Lekan, following an electrocution incident at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus, on Sunday morning.
The incident was disclosed via an official statement signed by the university’s Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem.
According to eyewitnesses, the unfortunate event occurred at a water point in the southern section of the campus. Lekan had reportedly gone to dispose of refuse before stopping to wash his hands. In the process, he came into contact with a metal railing close to a tap and was electrocuted.
A student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the vendor was alone when the incident happened. According to the source, a security operative later noticed something was amiss and raised the alarm, attracting people to the scene.
“He was washing his hands and tried to turn off the tap when he held a nearby railing. That was when he was electrocuted,” the student said.
Reacting to the tragedy, Alaga-Ibraheem expressed the university management’s deep sorrow over the loss.
“The University of Lagos management regrets to confirm a fatal electrocution incident at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus,” the statement read. “The unfortunate incident involved a sales assistant of a food vendor operating within the CMUL premises. The university extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased.”
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The management urged members of the public to avoid speculation, noting that investigations by relevant authorities are ongoing. It also reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of the university community.
The Secretary-General of the UNILAG Students’ Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, also confirmed the incident, adding that immediate efforts were made to save the victim.
The student source disclosed that the incident occurred around 10 a.m., noting that some students attempted resuscitation before Lekan was rushed to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit on campus.
“He was not pronounced dead at the scene. He was taken to the A&E and later died there,” the source said.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command were alerted and subsequently visited both the scene and the medical facility.
Preliminary observations did not immediately point to a defective railing, as the area is frequently used by students and security personnel without previous incident.
University officials, including security personnel and engineers, remain involved in the ongoing assessment of the site.
