Federal varsity Lokoja closes indefinitely after death of five students

The management of Federal University Lokoja has ordered the indefinite closure of the institution following the tragic deaths of five students in an accident involving a trailer at the Felele city center on Monday.

The decision also comes after students staged a protest on Wednesday, blocking the university gates in response to the incident.

In a circular issued on Thursday, the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Rebecca Okojie, said the closure was necessary to prevent further unrest.

“Despite interventions from the state government and repeated appeals by the university management for calm, tensions have continued to rise,” the statement read in part.

“Following the advice of security agencies and in order to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor, after due consultation with the management, has directed—on behalf of the Senate—that the university (both campuses) be shut down indefinitely,” the school added.

Students were instructed to vacate the campus by 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.