UNILAG Student Leader Drowns During Beach Outing In Ibeju-Lekki

• Damilola Balogun, a final-year Education student at the University of Lagos, has passed away.
• He was the president-elect of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA) UNILAG chapter.
• The tragic incident occurred at a beach in Ibeju-Lekki, where he was swept away by strong ocean currents.

Damilola Balogun, a final-year Education student at the University of Lagos and president-elect of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA) UNILAG chapter, has died after being swept away by powerful ocean currents at a beach in Ibeju-Lekki.

The accident happened during a handover gathering with outgoing executive members of the association.

Balogun, who was scheduled to begin his teaching practice on Monday, had accompanied the former executives and a few colleagues to the Idado community for the event.

According to a witness who spoke on condition of anonymity, Balogun walked toward the shoreline around 2 p.m. after a football game and asked the General Secretary to take photos and videos of him. Despite warnings about the rising tide, he wanted to “enjoy the village life a little longer.” The witness said the General Secretary eventually left, only to hear locals shouting that Balogun was signaling for help in the water.

Local divers attempted a rescue but were unsuccessful. His body was recovered two days later in the Museyo community, opposite the spot where he was swept away, and he was buried the same evening.

In a statement signed by chairman Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri and spokesperson Ridwan Ajayi, the Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described Balogun as “a beacon of hope, an embodiment of courage, and a steadfast advocate for the rights and welfare of students,” adding that he was “a brave, strong, and dogged comrade…a fighter” whose dedication to service was evident to the end.

Balogun’s death has plunged the UNILAG community into mourning, with friends, classmates, and colleagues remembering him as a vibrant leader with remarkable promise. As of press time, the university management and security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the incident.