Federal University Lokoja closes indefinitely as students protest deaths of colleagues

The Federal University Lokoja has been indefinitely shut down following continuous student protests over the tragic deaths of their colleagues.

The students began protesting on Monday after a trailer collided with the university’s shuttle bus, killing seven people on the spot.

The university’s closure was announced in a circular (Ref. Number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03) issued on Thursday by Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, with copies sent to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kogi State.

The circular stated that five students lost their lives in the accident at Felele city center on Monday, February 17, 2025. Despite interventions by the Kogi State Government and appeals from the university management for calm, students continued to barricade the institution’s gates.

To prevent further escalation and potential loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor, after consulting with the management and based on advice from security agencies, ordered the immediate closure of both campuses.

Students were instructed to vacate the university premises by 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025, with strict compliance expected.