Tragedy struck at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) as Emmanuel Nweke, a 100-level Mathematics student, lost his life after falling from a two-storey hostel building in Ikorodu.
Nweke, who hailed from Anambra State, reportedly fell around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Lasunwon First Gate area, a hub for student accommodations. According to eyewitness accounts, he had stepped onto the balcony for fresh air due to a prolonged power outage but lost his balance while leaning on the railing. He hit his head on the ground and succumbed to his injuries before help could arrive.
Following the tragic incident, authorities shut down the building to prevent further casualties. The landlord was taken into custody by officers of the Ikorodu Police Division on Sagamu Road for questioning.
Students and union leaders have blamed the university and the Lagos State Government for failing to provide adequate housing, forcing students to live in poorly maintained off-campus hostels.
Sadiq Adams Kiakia, Vice Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Lagos Chapter, expressed his frustration, highlighting the unsafe living conditions.
"If there were proper school hostels, Nweke wouldn’t have been in that building. Over 20 students live there, and he had just paid his rent two weeks ago. Power supply has been terrible, with barely two hours of electricity daily. This is unacceptable."
In an official statement, NANS Lagos Chairman, Comrade Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ridwan Ajayi, condemned the lack of oversight in student housing.
"It is alarming that LASUSTECH and the Lagos State Government have failed to provide sufficient on-campus housing, forcing students into unsafe and overpriced accommodations," the statement read.
The student body demanded:
- A full structural audit of off-campus hostels to identify and shut down unsafe buildings.
- Legal action against negligent landlords and hostel operators.
- Implementation of strict safety regulations for student accommodations.
- Immediate steps to build affordable, safe hostels within LASUSTECH.
- Compensation and justice for Nweke’s family.
Dr. Ademola Aderogba, LASUSTECH’s Dean of Student Affairs, confirmed the incident and assured that the school was working on solutions.
"The state government recently launched a hostel project through a Public-Private Partnership model, starting with Lagos State University (LASU). However, the initiative has yet to begin at LASUSTECH," he explained.
As students mourn Nweke’s untimely death, they hope his passing will push authorities to prioritize safer and more affordable housing for Nigeria’s growing student population.
