KEY POINTS

• Kogi State Polytechnic lecturer Anslem Ojodomo collapsed and died while delivering a lecture to students.
• His death comes weeks after another lecturer died, raising fears within the institution.
• Staff say it is the third death in six weeks, while management has yet to release a statement.

The Kogi State Polytechnic community has been thrown into fresh mourning following the sudden death of a lecturer, Mr. Anslem Ojodomo, who reportedly collapsed while teaching students.

Ojodomo’s death comes barely one month after another lecturer, Dr. Barnabas Akuba, died shortly after completing his PhD programme in February, deepening concerns within the institution over the spate of recent losses.

According to sources within the polytechnic, the incident occurred on Thursday during a classroom session. Ojodomo was said to be actively delivering his lecture when he suddenly slumped, causing panic among students in attendance.

A source familiar with the development disclosed that the class was immediately thrown into confusion as students and colleagues rushed to assist him.

He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention. However, despite efforts by medical personnel to revive him, he was later confirmed dead.

“The incident occurred during a classroom session. The lecturer suddenly slumped while addressing the students, throwing the class into confusion and panic,” the source said.

“He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention but was later confirmed dead despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.”

Staff raise concerns over third death in six weeks

Sources within the institution said Ojodomo’s death has heightened apprehension across the school community, noting that it marks the third death recorded within six weeks since the new Rector, Prof. Salihu Sanusi, assumed office on February 11.

Members of staff also expressed concern that both Ojodomo and the late Dr. Akuba passed away shortly after successfully defending their PhD theses.

“It is more worrisome that both Anslem and Barnabas died after defending their PhD thesis,” a staff member said.

The staff member added that Ojodomo had attended a meeting just hours before the incident and appeared healthy and energetic.

“Anslem was in a meeting some hours before going for the lecture. We cannot imagine that a man who was bubbling and full of life in the meeting is now dead,” the source stated.