Purported Involvement of Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo graduates in Gombe State bound vehicle crash
On Wednesday November 19, 2025, the social media space was awash with an unsubstantiated online story concerning the alleged involvement of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) graduates, who have been mobilized to participate in the one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), programme in Gombe State.
The news was received with shock. As a responsible institution, the University Management reacted immediately by making contacts with several security and paramilitary organizations which include the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps. Contacts were also made to several prints and electronic media for clarifications.
Reprieve, however, came when one of the alleged accident victims, who is a graduate of the University and one of the Gombe State bound Corp members was contacted. Information obtained from the accident victim revealed that she was actually involved in an auto crash which occurred along the Lagos/Ibadan express way and not Bauchi/Gombe highway as reported by the online bloggers. The lady further explained that only two casualties were recorded. These include the driver and one other person which she said she did not know their identity. She explained that she boarded a bus from Lagos and was heading to Abuja for her onward journey to Gombe. The accident occurred along Lagos/Ibadan express way and she sustained no injury. She has since joined her colleagues safely at Gombe camp.
It must be noted that several news outlet called the university to verify the authenticity of the story.
The Punch Newspaper of Friday 21 November, 2025, through their correspondent in Gombe State debunked the occurrence of the purported road crash with the caption “NYSC, FRSC debunk report of crash involving Gombe prospective corps members, by China Azubuike”.
Meanwhile, the publication of the misleading information on the online medium and its circulation by other social media platforms has been generating reactions from within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
The University appreciates all media organisations for their concerns and eagerness to verify the authenticity of the story.
The Management of the University is using this medium to appeal to media practitioners (print, electronic and online platforms) to always abide by the ethics of the journalism profession, which lay emphasis on truth, objectivity and fairness. The Management also expressed gratitude to several individuals, security agencies and media organizations that showed concerns and rendered useful assistance during the period of the unfortunate crisis.
The University wishes is appeal to members of the public, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to disregard the story of the death of AFUED graduates in its entirety. The story is best described as fake news without any iota of truth.
Thank you.
