By Elizabeth Godwin
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of Ajibola Ibitayo, a part-two student of the Faculty of Dentistry, who reportedly took his own life after receiving misleading information about his examination results.
In a statement on Thursday, the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed that Ibitayo, with matriculation number DEN/2021/023, had already repeated Part Two once and was told he would need to repeat it again after the latest results were released on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the student allegedly injected himself at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State.
Olarewaju explained that Ibitayo’s father is a medical doctor and that the tragedy occurred shortly after the student believed he had failed again. However, a source revealed that his results were actually good, contrary to what a friend had told him. “It is shocking because his results were good. His friend just told him otherwise,” the source said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire expressed deep sadness over the loss, urging students and parents to recognise that academic setbacks are not the end of life. “Temporary setbacks in the pursuit of success are part of life and should not be seen as the end,” he said, encouraging students to seek counselling and support when struggling.
The President of the Dentistry Students’ Association, Adebayo Idris, also described Ibitayo’s death as a painful reminder of the silent struggles many students face. “This loss is not just the departure of a promising young mind, but a painful reminder of the silent battles many students face,” he stated, stressing the importance of prioritising mental health.
The university management has urged students dealing with academic or personal challenges to take advantage of the counselling services available on campus and to support one another through difficult times.
The incident has sparked conversations about mental health awareness, misinformation, and the need for timely emotional support in Nigeria’s higher institutions.
