A lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic in Nigeria died suddenly while conducting a class, marking the second loss of academic staff at the institution within a month.
The deceased, Anslem Ojodomo, was a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration. The institution’s Rector, Prof. Salihu Avidime, confirmed the incident in an official statement released on Friday. According to the statement, signed by John Onimisi, Acting Coordinator of the Directorate of Public Relations, Ojodomo collapsed during his lecture and was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The rector described the news as a “deep personal shock,” recounting that he had met and spoken with Ojodomo only hours before the incident. Prof. Avidime praised the late lecturer as a dedicated, humble, and committed staff member who had distinguished himself both as a student and an academic. He noted Ojodomo’s impactful service as Deputy Dean of Student Services and his contributions to several institutional committees.
Students who witnessed the event, speaking anonymously to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), corroborated that Ojodomo collapsed while addressing the class. Their account aligns with the official sequence of events leading to his death at the hospital.
The death follows closely after another polytechnic lecturer, Dr. Barnabas Akuba, passed away last month shortly after completing his PhD. This recent succession of fatalities has generated concern and a sense of uncertainty among the campus community.
Ojodomo held Master’s degrees from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and had recently defended his PhD proposal. He joined Kogi State Polytechnic in 2021.
The rector extended heartfelt condolences to Ojodomo’s family and the people of Igalamela/Odolu, his constituency. The statement concluded with the Polytechnic community praying for the repose of his soul.
The consecutive deaths of two lecturers have prompted questions within the institution, highlighting a period of mourning and reflection for the Kogi State Polytechnic community.
