OAU Student Commits Suicide After Failing Exams
By Alofe Ayomoses
Tragedy struck Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on Wednesday when a Part Two Dentistry student, Ajibola Ibitayo, reportedly took his own life after failing his examinations for the second consecutive time.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, revealing that Ibitayo, who had already been repeating the class, was devastated upon learning he would have to repeat it yet again.
Student Injects Self at Family Home
According to the statement, Ibitayo (Matric No: DEN/2021/023), son of a medical doctor, allegedly injected himself at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State, after receiving the results of the last semester’s examinations.
“The tragedy occurred following the release of the results on Wednesday. It is a painful loss for the university community,” Olarewaju said.
VC Appeals for Parental Guidance and Emotional Support
Deeply saddened, OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, urged parents and guardians to help young people understand that academic setbacks are temporary and should not lead to self-harm.
He encouraged students to view failure as a stepping stone to future success, noting that perseverance often leads to greater achievements.
“Failure is not the end. It can be a redirection toward better opportunities,” Bamire said.
Condolences to Bereaved Family
The Vice-Chancellor prayed for strength for the Ibitayo family, the Faculty of Dentistry, the College of Health Sciences, and the entire OAU community to bear the painful loss.
The incident has renewed conversations on mental health awareness and the urgent need for stronger emotional support systems for students facing academic pressure in Nigerian universities.
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