UNILAG student drowns after backflip stunt at Eleko beach

Tragedy has struck the University of Lagos (UNILAG) community following the death of an undergraduate, Damilola Balogun, who drowned during a beach outing.

The incident reportedly happened at Eleko Beach, Lagos, after Damilola attempted a backflip stunt while swimming with friends. He was said to have drowned shortly after the move went wrong.

According to reports, the tragedy occurred between Thursday, September 18, and Friday, September 19, 2025, as conflicting accounts have emerged about the exact date.

An account stated that Damilola, who is a student in the Faculty of Education, asked a friend to record him while attempting the stunt. Moments later, a strong wave swept him away before help could reach him. Despite desperate rescue efforts, he could not be saved.

A medical doctor and social media user, Dr. Farouk, who first shared the news online, noted that Damilola’s body was recovered on Saturday morning at Museyo Beach, Ibeju-Lekki, about two kilometres from the spot of the incident.

The news has thrown the UNILAG community into mourning, with friends and fellow students flooding social media with tributes.

One colleague, Doyin Doski, described him as full of life, noting that he had only recently been elected President of his faculty after serving as Vice President.

A statement by the Director of Communications, UNILAG, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, confirmed the sad news and stated that the Vice Chancellor, Prof Folushade Ogunsola, has commiserated with the family.

“It is true, Mr Damilola Balogun, the Faculty of Education student, drowned off Eleko Beach on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on behalf of the entire University community, commiserates with his family, and prays that God grants the bereaved family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” she stated.