The Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, was thrown into mourning over the weekend following the discovery of the lifeless body of a 23-year-old 100-level student identified as Favour Olaniyi.
The deceased, a male student of the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, was found inside a bush along the North Gate of the institution under circumstances that have fuelled speculation of suicide. An empty bottle of a substance suspected to be a lethal herbicide was recovered at the scene.
Students and residents within the area were seen gathered in clusters, struggling to comprehend the tragic incident.
Confirming the incident, the Director, Corporate Communication and Protocol of FUTA, Adegbenro Adebanjo, expressed the institution’s sadness over the loss and disclosed that the parents of the deceased had been informed. He said once the matter was reported to management, the university security apparatus swiftly informed the police while medical officials and security operatives coordinated the evacuation of the body to the mortuary.
Adebanjo stated that the university is cooperating fully with police investigators. He added that officials from the Students Affairs Division are providing counselling support to fellow students who may have been impacted by the tragedy.
“The Students Affairs Division, FUTA, has always reiterated its readiness and willingness to provide support for students who may be battling any issues and will continue to do so,” Adebanjo said. “Students are encouraged to take advantage of the availability of such counselling and guidance when they are faced with any issues on and off campus.”
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed that an investigation had commenced into the incident. He said the 23-year-old was reportedly found lifeless near a bush around the FUTA North Gate by some colleagues. Detectives who visited the scene observed no visible signs of violence, while a bottle suspected to contain a toxic substance was recovered.
“The body has been deposited at the morgue for preservation and further examination while investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Abayomi said.
