June 09, (THEWILL) — A recruitment exercise for the position of Registrar at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, ended in tragedy on Tuesday after one of the candidates and a Deputy Registrar of the institution, Dr Solomon Oluwasola Afolabi, reportedly slumped and died during an aptitude test.
THEWILL gathered that the late Afolabi was among the shortlisted candidates undergoing assessment for the university’s top administrative position when the incident occurred.
Sources familiar with the exercise disclosed that the Deputy Registrar suddenly cried out in distress while the aptitude test was in progress, drawing the attention of other candidates and officials overseeing the recruitment process.
The development reportedly caused panic at the venue as efforts were immediately made to assist him before he was rushed to the university’s health centre for urgent medical attention.
However, despite attempts by medical personnel to stabilise him, he was later confirmed dead.
The shocking incident brought the exercise to an abrupt halt and left members of the university community in disbelief, particularly as the deceased was said to have arrived at the venue in good health.
A source within the institution, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, described Afolabi as one of the strongest contenders for the Registrar position.
“He was among the leading candidates being considered for the appointment. The exercise was progressing normally before he suddenly shouted and appeared to be in serious distress. Everyone was shocked by what happened”, the source said.
The source added that the circumstances surrounding the incident have continued to generate discussion among staff members, many of whom were struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a senior administrator.
The office of Registrar is regarded as one of the most strategic positions in the university system, serving as the institution’s chief administrative office responsible for coordinating administrative activities and implementing decisions of the university’s governing bodies.
THEWILL further gathered that other candidates participating in the selection process include Dr Babatola J.E.T. and Mrs Adeojo R.T.B.
As news of Afolabi’s death spread across the campus, staff and stakeholders expressed shock over the development, with many describing it as a tragic and painful loss for the institution.
The incident has also cast uncertainty over the ongoing recruitment exercise, although it remains unclear whether the process will continue as scheduled or be suspended pending further decisions by the university authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of Ekiti State University had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or disclose the immediate cause of death.
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