Tragedy Strikes as Six LAUTECH Nursing Students Perish in Fatal Road Crash En Route to Exams

A devastating loss that has plunged the Nigerian nursing and academic communities into deep mourning, following the death of six final-year students from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in a horrific road accident.

The incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, along the Suleja-Abuja Expressway, where the students’ vehicle was reportedly involved in a fatal collision. All six victims, who were 500-level students in LAUTECH’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Bachelor of Nursing Science programme, died on the spot alongside their driver. Adding to the heartbreak, one of the students was heavily pregnant, resulting in the loss of her unborn child as well.

These dedicated women, all registered nurses, had been balancing demanding professional careers with their studies, showcasing remarkable commitment to advancing their qualifications. They were traveling from various locations to the university’s main campus in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, for face-to-face facilitation and semester examinations scheduled to begin on February 23. Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been exacerbated by poor road conditions and heavy traffic on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.

The Nigerian Nurses Forum and the Elegant Nurses Forum have released emotional statements, describing the loss as “unimaginable” and highlighting the victims’ perseverance. “These were hardworking professionals juggling family, work, and education. The fact that one was on the brink of motherhood makes this a profound double tragedy,” a representative from the Elegant Nurses Forum stated. Tributes have flooded social media platforms, with fellow students, healthcare workers, and Nigerians from all walks of life expressing condolences and sharing stories of the victims’ dedication.

NaijaChoice News investigations reveal growing outrage over LAUTECH’s centralized examination system, which requires ODL students to undertake long-distance travels to a single center in Ogbomoso. Advocacy groups, including civil society organizations, are amplifying calls for immediate reforms. Critics point out that institutions like Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) successfully operate multiple decentralized learning and exam centers across the country, reducing such risks. “How many more lives must be lost before authorities act? Nigeria’s highways are death traps, and forcing students to brave them for exams is unacceptable,” said a prominent education advocate in Abuja.

As of February 25, 2026, the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary, with arrangements underway for their final rites. Sources indicate that at least two have already been laid to rest in emotional ceremonies attended by family and colleagues. LAUTECH authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but the university community is reportedly in shock, with counseling sessions being organized for affected students.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved road infrastructure, safer transportation options, and flexible educational policies in Nigeria’s distance learning programs. NaijaChoice News extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, friends, and the entire LAUTECH community, while urging the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders to prioritize decentralization and safety measures to avert future heartbreaks.