For many lecturers, life is a relentless race. Long hours preparing lectures, marking assignments, attending meetings, and pursuing PhDs. For Mr. Anselm Ahman Ojodomo Daniel, that race ended abruptly in the classroom. IBRAHIM OBANSA reports that Anslem’s death is the third in six weeks, with each lecturer passing shortly after defending their Ph.D thesis.
Grief hung heavily in the air at Kogi State Polytechnic as students sat frozen, their notebooks still open, their eyes fixed on a scene they would never forget. In the middle of what should have been an ordinary lecture, the teacher, Mr. Anselm Ahman Ojodomo Daniel slumped and never rose again.
The sudden death of Anselm Ahman Ojodomo Daniel, a lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, plunged the institution into mourning and sent waves of fear through the academic community.
According to reports, Mr. Daniel collapsed and died while delivering a lecture on March 26, 2026, leaving students and colleagues in stunned disbelief as they witnessed the tragic moment unfold.
Like many lecturers, his days were defined by quiet sacrifice, long hours spent shaping minds, poring over scripts, and chasing the next academic milestone. The pressure never really eased; it only shifted from lecture halls to late-night preparation and back again.
On that day, Anselm Ahman Ojodomo Daniel stood before his students, doing what he had always done, teaching, explaining, giving out knowledge. There was no warning, no pause to signal the end. In the middle of imparting knowledge, his voice was suddenly silenced.
Sadly did not leave the classroom the usual way. He taught until he no longer could, until his final breath was drawn in the very space where he had given so much of himself.
His passing has been described as an immeasurable loss to the Kogi State Polytechnic community, with many highlighting that his dedication, mentorship, and influence made the tragedy all the more profound.
Adding to the grief, Mr. Daniel’s death comes barely a month after another lecturer, Dr. Barnabas Akuba, reportedly died under similar circumstances on the same campus, intensifying fears and prompting urgent calls for awareness about staff health and wellbeing.
According to multiple reports, Ojodomo’s death is part of a troubling sequence of fatalities at the institution over roughly six weeks
Sources within the institution revealed that Dr. Barnabas Akuba who died in February had recently completed his PhD and was preparing to transfer his service to the Federal University Lokoja before his sudden death. Similarly, Anselm Ahman Ojodomo Daniel had successfully defended his PhD thesis and was in the process of moving to Prince Abubakar Audu University when tragedy struck.
Staff members have noted especially that both Ojodomo and Akuba died shortly after defending their doctoral theses, contributing to unease within the institution about the recent losses
A staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted the shocking moment:
“His death happened right in the classroom. He suddenly slumped while addressing students, and chaos erupted immediately. It was a scene no one could have anticipated.”
He was rushed to a medical facility but was pronounced dead on arrival,” a colleague confirmed. Another staff member revealed that Mr. Daniel had attended a meeting just hours before his lecture, appearing healthy, energetic, and full of life.
“We cannot fathom that someone so vibrant just hours ago is now gone,” the staff member lamented. One of his colleague who pleaded not to be named as the school was still in shock said.
The tragedy has left a profound emotional void, especially for his family.
A close friend, and colleague of the deceased,from the department of General Studies, Mr.Tope Joel while speaking in confidence, recounted the heart-wrenching scene involving the deceased’s young son, whose grief captured the depth of the loss in ways words can scarcely express.
“Each time he hears a vehicle, he runs out excitedly, thinking his father has returned. Recently, he shouted, ‘My daddy is coming!’ only to realise it wasn’t him. That moment was devastating,” a close friend said.
His wife, still overwhelmed by shock, was unable to speak to our correspondent.
During a visit to the institution, our correspondent observed students and staff of the Department of Public Administration dressed in black, holding tribute posters in honour of their late lecturer. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, as many struggled to come to terms with the sudden and heartbreaking loss.
The head of his department, the Directorate of Student Services.Dr. Mrs. Joan Ebajemito, described Mr. Daniel as a devoted academic who exemplified discipline, excellence, and compassion. She added that he had been a pillar of strength within the department, leaving a legacy that would be deeply missed.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Salihu Sanusi Avidime, expressed deep shock over the tragedy, recalling that he had met and interacted with Mr. Daniel just hours before his sudden death.
“He was full of life when we met. That memory is now a painful one,” he said.
The Rector further recalled that Mr. Daniel had been his student at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at Prince Abubakar Audu University, where he stood out for his discipline and dedication.
“It was a source of pride to later have him serve as a lecturer and Deputy Dean of Student Services. He was deeply committed to the welfare of students,” Prof. Avidime added, his voice heavy with sorrow.
LEADERSHIP Weekend, gathered that the late Anselm Victory Ojodomo was born on October 5, 1992, in Igalamela/Odolu local government area of Kogi State. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2015 and later obtained a Master’s degree in 2021 from Prince Abubakar Audu University. In September 2021, he joined Kogi State Polytechnic as an assistant lecturer, serving in several capacities, including deputy Dean in the Directorate of Student Services.
He is survived by his wife, two children, and other family members.
As he is laid to rest in his hometown of Alome, Igalamela/Odolu LGA, on Wednesday 15th April , 2026, colleagues and loved ones continue to reflect on his impactful life and legacy, even as they grapple with the pain of his untimely death.
While he is set to be laid to rest in his hometown of Alome, Igalamela/Odolu LGA, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, colleagues, friends, and loved ones said he will be remembered a life full of warmth, laughter, and inspiration.
A shop owner who sells snacks in school premises, Mrs Ajuma Eleojo, described him s a loving personality who had a magnetic spirit, always fun and full of life, and students adored him for his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication. Even as they mourned his untimely passing, they reflected on the lasting impact he had on everyone around him, cherishing the memories of a life that touched so many hearts.
As of the latest reports, Kogi State Polytechnic management had not yet released an official public statement regarding the lecturer’s death or the pattern of recent deaths.
As of now there’s no credible report that the school has officially launched a special investigation or taken specific new measures in response to the spate of sudden deaths.
A concerned student , Ojile Onanenyi said, , I am deeply troubled by the recent incidents that have shaken our school community. These events, I mean three deaths in just six weeks have left many of us anxious and uncertain about our safety, values, and shared future. It is with a heavy heart that I call for a solemn assembly, a space where we can come together, reflect on what has transpired, and seek collective understanding and healing. In unity, we can confront these challenges, uphold the dignity of our people, and chart a path forward that honors both our heritage and our commitment to one another.”
Another student, Ele Peter said, “I have not been myself since the heartbreaking news of our beloved lecturer’s passing, despite all efforts to revive him. His absence has left a profound void, and I find it difficult to attend classes as I once did. Our lecturer was not only intelligent and accommodating but also a warm and friendly presence who touched the lives of many. In light of this loss, I humbly call for a solemn assembly, so we may come together as a community to mourn, reflect.”
A medical doctor and psychologist , Dr.Kingsley Asu Sunday, the loss of three lecturers in quick succession can have profound emotional and mental health impacts on students, staff, and the wider academic community.
He said such sudden deaths can trigger acute stress reactions, grief, and anxiety, particularly for individuals who were closely attached to the deceased.
Aau listed the common responses to include sadness, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep, loss of motivation, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Responding to our correspondent on
the tragic pattern of losing three academics at Kogi Polytechnic, a cardio expect, Dr. Edmond Akwaya described the situation as a sobering wake-up call for the academic community.
He said, to understand why this happens and how to prevent it, we have to look beyond “coincidence” and examine the physiological toll of extreme, prolonged stress.
Why It Happens: The “Let-Down” Effect And Physiological Burnout:
Dr. Always explained that when a PhD candidate nears their defense, their body is often running on a cocktail of survival hormones, primarily cortisol and adrenaline. This “fight or flight” state can last for months or years, masking underlying health issues.
The Cardiovascular “Crash”
The period immediately following a defense is a high-risk window.
He said, “the sudden drop in stress hormones (the “let-downeffect”) can trigger a maladaptive response in the cardiovascular system. For someone with undiagnosed hypertension, common in high-stress professions, this sudden shift in blood pressure can lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke.
Chronic Sleep Deprivation:
The medical expert, revealed that many lecturers often juggle teaching loads with research. Chronic sleep deprivation (less than 6 hours a night) is linked to a 48 per cent increase in the risk of developing or dying from coronary heart disease. It weakens the heart muscle and prevents the body from repairing vascular damage.
The “Silent Killer” (Hypertension)
The cardiologist lamented that In Nigeria, the prevalence of hypertension among civil servants and academics is alarmingly high, often exceeding 30-40 per cent in some regional studies. Many lecturers are “walking hypertensive” patients who are unaware of their status because they haven’t had a check-up in years, prioritising their thesis over their vitals.
How To Avoid This: A Physician’s Prescription
Speaking on how to avoid such menace, the physician said, ” People must change the culture where ” working their way to death” is seen as a badge of honour.
The doctor prescribed the following preventative steps every academic should take to include the following;
People should not wait for a pressure like PhD defense to check their blood pressure. If your BP is consistently above 140/90 mmHg, you require medical intervention.
Stick To The Post-Defense Screen: This is because, within 48 hours of a major milestone (like a project defense), one should schedule a basic metabolic panel because their body is transitioning out of a high-stress state and needs monitoring.
3Manage Cortisol Naturally: Integrate “de-stressing” periods throughout the PhD journey, not just at the end. High cortisol levels over years lead to arterial stiffening.
Buttressing the need for lfestyle adjustments, Dr. Akwaya said the 7-hour rule: of “Your brain and heart require a minimum of 7 hours of sleep to process toxins and regulate blood pressure should be strictly adhered to. .
He also advised engagement in physical activity: Regular aerobic exercise (30 minutes, 3 times a week) helps the heart handle the “spikes” in stress that occur during a defense.
Speaking on institutional reform, he said Universities and Polytechnics must implement mandatory health screenings for staff and provide “sabbatical recovery” periods following the completion of advanced degrees.
LEADERSHIP Weekend advises that a PhD is a testament to ones mental endurance, but it should not be a sacrifice of ones life. This is because , title of a “Doctor” is meaningless if the achiever is not not alive to wear it. Rest should be priority as a clinical necessity.
Credit: Leadership
