The academic community at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has been thrown into a state of shock and grief following the sudden death of Anslem Ojodomo, a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration, who collapsed while delivering a lecture.
The incident occurred on Friday, March 27, 2026. According to eyewitness accounts from students, Mr. Ojodomo was in the middle of an instructional session when he suddenly slumped. He was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he was tragically confirmed dead upon arrival.
A “Personal Shock” for the Institution
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salihu Avidime, expressed profound sorrow over the loss in a statement signed by the Acting Coordinator of the Directorate of Public Relations, John Onimisi. The Rector revealed that he had interacted with the deceased just hours before the incident, noting that Mr. Ojodomo appeared to be in high spirits and showed no outward signs of illness.
Professor Avidime described the late lecturer as:
- A Dedicated Professional: Known for his humility, scholarship, and commitment to academic excellence.
- A Dependable Leader: Serving as the Deputy Dean of Students’ Services, where he had a significant impact on student welfare.
- A Rising Academic: A graduate of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, who had recently defended his PhD proposal and was an active member of several institutional committees.
Growing Anxiety Within the Academic Community
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that it marks the second sudden death of a faculty member at the institution in less than 30 days. In late February 2026, the Polytechnic lost Dr. Barnabas Akuba, who passed away shortly after successfully completing his doctoral program.
The back-to-back losses have sparked significant concern among staff and students regarding the physical and mental well-being of the workforce. Student representatives have called for a review of the medical facilities on campus and a potential “health day” to allow staff to undergo comprehensive check-ups.
Tributes and Final Rites
Colleagues have described Ojodomo, who joined the institution in 2021, as an inspiring figure and a “bridge-builder” within the Department of Public Administration. The Polytechnic has extended its deepest condolences to his family and the people of the Igalamela/Odolu local government area.
The institution is expected to observe a period of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast, as funeral arrangements are finalized in conjunction with the bereaved family.
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