The University of Lagos (UNILAG) community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Damilola Balogun, a final-year student of the Department of Education and president-elect of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA), UNILAG chapter. He reportedly drowned after being swept away by strong ocean currents during a beach outing in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a handover ceremony organized by outgoing executives of the student association. The gathering, meant to be a simple social event, took a devastating turn when Balogun, who was preparing to begin his teaching practice the following week, decided to spend some time at the shoreline.
How the Incident Happened
Eyewitnesses said that after playing football with colleagues, Balogun walked towards the seashore around 2 pm and requested the association’s General Secretary to capture photos and videos of him. Despite multiple warnings from locals and his colleagues about the dangerous strength of the ocean currents, Balogun insisted on staying close to the water. Shortly after, people nearby noticed him waving frantically for help as the waves dragged him farther into the sea.
Unfortunately, rescue attempts made by local divers failed. His body was later discovered two days afterward at Museyo community, across from the spot where he was last seen. He was reportedly buried on the same day of recovery, leaving many in shock over the sudden and painful loss.
Reactions and Tributes
The tragic news has since sparked grief across the UNILAG campus and beyond. The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, described Balogun as “a beacon of hope and a true advocate for students’ welfare.”
In a statement signed by chairman Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri and spokesperson Ridwan Ajayi, NANS wrote: “He was a dogged comrade, a shining light in the Lagos State student movement, and a symbol of resilience and service. His death is not just a loss to UNILAG but to the entire Nigerian student community.”
Students, colleagues, and friends have also taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes, describing him as a vibrant, cheerful, and dedicated leader who was passionate about making a positive impact. Many expressed disbelief that a leader full of energy and vision could be lost in such an unexpected manner.
Ongoing Silence from Authorities
As of now, the UNILAG management has not released an official statement regarding the incident, while security agencies are yet to provide detailed information about possible safety lapses at the beach where the tragedy occurred.
The heartbreaking loss of Balogun continues to reverberate across the academic community, reminding many of the dangers of Nigeria’s coastal waters and raising concerns about student safety during off-campus activities. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, as friends, colleagues, and fellow students struggle to come to terms with the painful reality of his passing.