The management of (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has expressed profound grief over the tragic death of six of its final-year nursing students who lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso Road.
In an official statement dated February 24, 2026, and signed by the Registrar, Olayinka Balogun, the university described the incident as heartbreaking and a monumental loss not only to the institution but also to the families of the deceased and the nation at large.
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According to the statement, the students — Shehu Nana Firdawsi Hamza, Idris Jamila, Abdulraheem Maimunah Hamza, Blessing Kevwe, Owoicho Elizabeth, and Aroke Ozavize Victoria — were enrolled in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Nursing programme and were in their final year of study. They were reportedly travelling in a commercial bus from Suleja, Niger State, to Ogbomoso to participate in their final examinations when the unfortunate accident occurred at Otte in Kwara State on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
“With a heavy heart, the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, announces the tragic loss of six of our cherished Open and Distance Learning Nursing students who were involved in a ghastly motor accident on the Ilorin–Ogbomoso Road,” the statement read.
The university noted that the deceased students were committed to their academic pursuits and exemplified determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. It emphasized that their untimely deaths have left the entire academic community in deep mourning.
Describing the loss as devastating, the management stated that the students represented the spirit of hope, dedication, and progress that defines the institution. Their passing, it added, has created a void that will be difficult to fill.
The university extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, classmates, and lecturers of the deceased, assuring them of its solidarity and support during this period of immense grief. The statement also called on members of the public to join the institution in prayers for the repose of the departed souls and for strength and comfort for their loved ones.
“While we grieve as an institution, we stand firmly with the families during this time of immeasurable sorrow. We pray that the memories of the departed will continue to inspire us to uphold the values of compassion, perseverance, and unity,” the Registrar added.
The tragic incident marks the second fatal accident involving final-year students in Kwara State within a month. Earlier in February, the management of confirmed the death of a 400-level student, Idris Agboluaje, who was reportedly on his way to campus to write an examination when he was involved in an auto crash in the Malete area.
These recent incidents have heightened concerns over road safety along major highways in the state, particularly routes frequently used by students commuting for academic activities.
As the university community continues to mourn, tributes have begun pouring in for the deceased students, whose aspirations of completing their nursing education and contributing meaningfully to the healthcare sector were tragically cut short.