Thunderstorm: Varsity student electrocuted while changing phone

A 100-level Nigerian student was electrocuted while using his mobile phone during a thunderstorm.

The deceased simply identified as Gbolahan Ojolo, was a student of the Department of Business Administration at the University of Ilesa, Osun State.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the institution’s Registrar, Mr. Funso Ojo, the unfortunate incident occurred on April 18, 2025, at a private hostel located near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction.

“The Osun University of Ilesa, Osun, deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojo. The unfortunate incident occurred in 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 at a private hostel located near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction.

“The electrocution was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.

“Following the incident, the University promptly informed the Police, and after due clearance, the remains of the deceased were taken to the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa,” he said.

The registrar said the police has commenced investigation into the incident.

According to him, the student’s father was notified immediately and has since arrived in Ilesa.

He added that the university management, alongside the Area Commander of Police, received the bereaved parent in a show of solidarity.

“The University of Ilesa has also made necessary arrangements to support the family during this moment of intense grief and will continue to stand by them through this difficult time,” he said.

He added that the university community is mourning the painful loss and praying for the repose of the student’s soul.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration,” he said

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