Three undergraduates at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi state died on Monday after a metallic bridge linking the hostels and lecture halls collapsed.

Muhammad Abdullazeez, the university's vice-chancellor, said those crossing the bridge after a heavy rain shower "found the scene excellent for them to take selfies".

It became so popular that more than 30 students crowded on to the bridge that was only able to take between 10 and 15 people, he said.

"It was not meant for static loads but for dynamic loads, that means, you don’t stand on it, you just pass," the vice-chancellor explained.

Mr Abdullazeez denied local reports that said some students were still missing.

The accident prompted students to demonstrate on Tuesday, barricading the entrance to one of the campuses to prevent staff from entering.