Damilola Balogun, a final student of the Department of Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and president-elect of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA), UNILAG chapter, has tragically lost his life after being swept away by strong ocean currents at a beach in Ibeju-Lekki.
The incident reportedly occurred during a handover get-together with outgoing executive members of the student association.
Balogun, who was scheduled to begin his teaching practice on Monday, had joined the former executives and a few colleagues at the Idado community for the gathering.
Tragic Incident at Idado Beach
A close source who witnessed the event but requested anonymity said Balogun ignored repeated warnings about the rising ocean currents.
“The president-elect had gone to the shoreline around 2 pm after playing football and asked the General Secretary to take pictures and videos of him. Despite warnings that the current was too strong, he insisted on enjoying the village life a little longer. The General Secretary eventually left, and only realized something was wrong when locals began shouting that Balogun was waving for help in the water, the source explained.
Efforts by local divers to rescue him were unsuccessful, and his body was only recovered two days later at Museyo community, opposite the site where he was swept away.
He was reportedly buried that same evening.
Tributes Pour In from Students and Colleagues
The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, described Balogun as “a beacon of hope, an embodiment of courage, and a steadfast advocate for the rights and welfare of students.”
In a joint statement signed by its chairman Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri and spokesperson Ridwan Ajayi, the association said:
“He was a brave, strong, and dogged comrade, a shining light in the Lagos State student movement. He embodied resilience, dedication, and a genuine passion for service. In the prime of his journey, fate dealt us a devastating blow when the ocean claimed him. Yet even in his final moments, he remained who he had always been — a fighter.”
Balogun’s death has sparked widespread grief across the UNILAG community, with students, friends, and colleagues remembering him as a vibrant and promising leader whose dedication and spirit inspired many.
As of now, UNILAG management and security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding the tragedy.