The Federal University Lokoja has been indefinitely closed following the tragic deaths of five students in a trailer accident at Felele city center on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The closure was announced in a circular issued on Thursday by the university’s Registrar, Rebecca Okojie, citing the need to prevent further unrest after students staged a protest on Wednesday.
“Despite interventions from the state government and repeated appeals by the university management for calm, tensions have continued to rise,” Okojie stated.
The demonstration, which saw students barricading the university gates, was triggered by anger and grief over the loss of their colleagues in the accident. Security concerns also played a role in the decision to shut down the institution.
“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 statement read.
Students were given a deadline to vacate the campus by 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
