The tranquil academic environment of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED), was shattered Thursday morning as news broke of the brutal murder of its Registrar, Mr. Ezekiel Imoleayo Adeniran. The 58-year-old administrator, who assumed office just six months ago, was allegedly ambushed and killed under mysterious circumstances that have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s educational community.
According to police reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of July 17 near the Fanibi area of Akure. Ondo State Police PRO Olusola Ayanlade revealed to Channels Television that preliminary investigations suggest two unidentified assailants emerged from nearby bushes, forcing an unknown substance into Adeniran’s mouth.
“The victim died shortly after the encounter,” Ayanlade stated, though he cautioned that toxicology reports would be needed to confirm the exact cause of death. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigative Department (SCID) for thorough investigation, with authorities appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the perpetrators’ arrest.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Isaac Oluyi, confirmed the tragic news, describing Adeniran as having been “in good health and high spirits” just days before his death. “He was actively performing his duties as Registrar on Monday,” Oluyi recalled, his voice heavy with emotion. “This sudden loss has left our entire academic family devastated.”
Adeniran’s tenure as UNIMED’s third substantive Registrar began on January 6, 2025, following an illustrious career in university administration. Colleagues remember him as a meticulous administrator who spearheaded critical reforms during his brief but impactful leadership. His remains currently lie at an undisclosed hospital morgue pending autopsy and funeral arrangements.
The brazen attack has reignited concerns about the safety of high-profile academics and administrators in Nigeria. Education sector analysts note this incident follows a troubling pattern of violence targeting university officials, recalling the 2022 abduction of a Deputy Registrar at the University of Abuja.
UNIMED students and staff gathered spontaneously at the administrative block Friday morning, creating a makeshift memorial with flowers and condolence notes. “This wasn’t just an attack on one man,” said a tearful department head who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s an assault on our entire institution and the sanctity of academic spaces.”
As investigations continue, security experts are questioning the circumstances surrounding Adeniran’s movements prior to the attack. Unconfirmed reports suggest he may have been returning from an official function when ambushed. The Ondo Police Command has promised daily briefings on the case, with Commissioner of Police Abiodun Asabi personally overseeing the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for an emergency meeting to address growing security threats to university administrators nationwide. “When those who uphold academic excellence aren’t safe, what hope is there for our educational system?” asked ASUU National President Emmanuel Osodeke in a press statement.
