The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has confirmed the killing of one of its students during a sign-out ceremony, an activity the institution has officially banned since 2023.
In a statement issued by the Registrar, Olayinka Balogun, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market in Ogbomoso. The victim, identified as Babalola Marvelous Olanrewaju, a 300-level Mechanical Engineering student, was reportedly shot during the gathering and later died from his injuries.
Balogun said the university had repeatedly warned hotels and event venues in and around Ogbomoso not to host sign-out celebrations. Despite this, preliminary investigations revealed that a group of students held a sign-out event on a football pitch within the Wazo Market complex.
The celebration turned deadly when Olanrewaju was allegedly shot at the venue. Upon receiving a distress call, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs contacted the Oyo State Police Command, leading to the deployment of personnel from the monitoring unit and area command.
A search of the victim’s belongings enabled the university to confirm his identity through student records. His body was taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital morgue.
The institution said it is cooperating fully with the police in the ongoing investigation and has informed the victim’s parents.
“The management extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. May God grant him eternal rest, and may his family find solace during this difficult time,” the statement read.
