Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of one of its senior lecturers, Dr. Olabode Ibikunle, who died under controversial circumstances at a hotel in Anyigba on Tuesday.
Dr. Ibikunle was a lecturer in the department of educational management.
He had reportedly checked into the hotel with a 200-level student of the institution, Glory Samuel, aged 22.
According to police reports, the student rushed to the hotel reception to alert the staff after the lecturer collapsed during their encounter.
He was rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.
In a statement issued in Lokoja, PAAU registrar Yahaya Alilu described the incident as “tragic and disturbing,” adding that the university is fully cooperating with the police to determine the cause and circumstances of the death.
“The university wishes to state that the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Olabode Abimbola Ibikunle is currently under investigation by the appropriate authorities,” Alilu said.
“His sudden demise in company of Miss Glory Ojochegbe Samuel (24GE2034) of the same department is a tragic and disturbing occurrence that understandably generated public concern and interest.”
Mr Alilu urged the public and the media to refrain from speculations and premature conclusions pending the outcome of the investigation.
He also addressed circulating rumours linking other students to the incident.
“We are aware of some unverified reports linking the names of other students, including Miss Bello Yahaya-Lubabat of the Department of Educational Administration and Planning, to the incident. The university firmly dissociates Miss Bello and other students from the matter and cautions against the spread of unfounded information that may harm the reputations of innocent persons,” the statement added.
Kogi State Police Command spokesman, William Aya, confirmed the incident and said an autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
According to the police, the hotel manager, Moses Friday, reported that Glory Samuel had alerted the reception after Ibikunle collapsed.
The police responded immediately and evacuated the lecturer to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.
Dr. Ibikunle is survived by his wife and children.
The university community has since been thrown into mourning as authorities continue their probe into the matter.
