UNILAG Student Leader Elect Drowns in the Lagoon

A tragic incident occurred at Eleko Beach in Lagos on Thursday, September 18, 2025, when Balogun Damilola, a final-year student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the newly elected President of the Faculty of Education, lost his life after being swept away by strong ocean currents.
Balogun, who had recently been elected as the President of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA) at UNILAG, was at the beach in the Idado community for a handover gathering with fellow executive members. The group had spent the night in Akodo, and by Thursday afternoon, only Balogun, the General Secretary, and the outgoing Vice President remained. After playing football, Balogun approached the shoreline and asked the General Secretary to take pictures and videos of him. Despite warnings about the strong ocean currents, Balogun insisted on proceeding.
The General Secretary eventually left him at the shoreline due to the overwhelming waves. It was later noticed from a distance that locals were shouting for help as Balogun was seen waving from the water. Attempts by local divers to rescue him were unsuccessful, and he was pulled under by the strong currents.
His body was discovered two days later at the Museyo community, approximately two kilometres from the incident site. The community’s Baale alerted authorities on Saturday morning, and the body was confirmed to be Balogun’s. He was buried that same evening in Museyo.
The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Balogun as “a beacon of hope, an embodiment of courage, and a steadfast advocate for the rights and welfare of students.” In their statement, they highlighted his bravery, dedication, and cheerful spirit, noting that even in his final moments, he remained a fighter.
The University of Lagos community has been left in mourning following this tragic event. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on behalf of the entire university community, commiserated with Balogun’s family and prayed for strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
This incident serves as a sombre reminder of the unpredictable nature of water bodies and the importance of adhering to safety precautions.