The management of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, has suspended ongoing examinations following the killing of a final-year student, Ayinla Fabiyi, by suspected cultists on Wednesday.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Odubela Ayotunde, announced the suspension in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday. The examinations, which were scheduled for Thursday and Friday, have been put on hold.
Odubela expressed the university’s condemnation of the “grievous and unthinkable act” and extended condolences to Fabiyi’s family. According to the statement, Fabiyi, a student of History and Diplomatic Studies, was attacked near the CENVOS Building on campus by unidentified individuals believed to be cult members.
Fabiyi was celebrating the end of exams with fellow 400-level students when he was approached by the attackers. Initially, his colleagues thought the assailants were joining in the celebration, especially since it was also his birthday. Suspicion arose when Fabiyi resisted being carried away. The attackers then dragged him toward the CENVOS Building.
Campus security was alerted and responded swiftly. The assailants fled into the bush at the back of CENVOS upon seeing the security personnel. Fabiyi was found severely injured and bleeding. He was first taken to the University Health Centre and then referred to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was further referred to Babcock University Teaching Hospital but reportedly died en route.
Contrary to some reports, Odubela clarified that Fabiyi was not abducted from the examination hall and was not participating in the ongoing 300-level History 329 (Modern European Political Thoughts) exam at the time of the attack.
The university has reported the incident to the Nigeria Police, who have made several arrests. Odubela urged parents and students to remain calm, assuring them that the situation is under control and praising the swift action of the police in restoring order.
“TASUED has zero tolerance for cultism, gangsterism, and other deviant acts,” Odubela emphasized. The university management sympathizes with Fabiyi’s family and prays for their comfort during this difficult time.
