Tragedy as Futuristic Dreams Die: FUTA Student Found Dead Near Off-Campus Residence in Suspected Suicide

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) community is in mourning following the discovery of the lifeless body of a 23-year-old 100-level student in a bush near the institution’s North Gate. The deceased has been identified as Favour Olaniyi, a male student from the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics. Authorities suspect the incident may be a case of suicide after an empty bottle of a toxic herbicide was reportedly recovered at the scene.

The discovery was made on Saturday, May 9, 2026, sending shockwaves through the campus and the surrounding Akure community. University officials responded immediately upon being notified of the tragic event.

The Director of Corporate Communication and Protocol at FUTA, Adegbenro Adebanjo, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday. He expressed the institution’s profound sadness over the loss, stating that the university management was immediately notified.

“After the incident was brought to the attention of the university management, the university security apparatus immediately informed the police. Officers from the force were dispatched to the scene, while medical officials from the university and the security operatives coordinated the evacuation of the body to the mortuary,” Adebanjo said . He also confirmed that the parents of the deceased have been informed about the development.

In the wake of the tragedy, the university has activated its support systems. Officials from the Students Affairs Division are currently providing counselling support to fellow students who may have been impacted by the loss of their colleague. Adebanjo reiterated the university’s commitment to student welfare, encouraging those facing difficulties to seek help.

“The Students Affairs Division, FUTA, has always reiterated its readiness and willingness to provide support for students who may be battling with any issues and will continue to do so. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the availability of such counselling and guidance when they are faced with any issues on and off campus,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the student’s death. The Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that detectives who visited the scene observed no visible signs of violence on the body.

Jimoh confirmed the recovery of a bottle containing a suspected poisonous substance. “The deceased was reportedly found lifeless inside a bush along FUTA North Gate, Akure, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Detectives who visited the scene observed no visible marks of violence, while a bottle suspected to contain a poisonous substance was recovered at the scene,” Jimoh stated.

He added that the body has been deposited at a mortuary for preservation and further examination as the investigation continues. The police spokesperson also used the opportunity to appeal to young people to seek support during difficult moments.

While police investigations are ongoing, unconfirmed reports from sources within the university suggest that the student’s death may be linked to a gambling loss, with allegations that he had placed a significant bet on a football match before consuming a lethal substance. Authorities have not yet officially verified this as the motive.

The command urges members of the public, especially young people, to seek support and counselling during difficult moments and avoid actions capable of endangering their lives.