OAU Mourns as Part-Two Medical Student, Ajibola Ibitayo, Commits Suicide Over Examination Setback
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The academic community of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic death of a second-year medical student, Mr. Ajibola Ibitayo, who reportedly took his own life after failing his examinations for the second time.

In a statement released on Thursday by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, it was confirmed that Ajibola, who was a student in the Faculty of Dentistry with matriculation number DEN/2021/023, committed suicide at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State. According to the statement, the results of the last semester’s examinations, released on Wednesday, indicated that the deceased would be required to repeat Part Two of his programme for yet another academic year.

This development was said to have devastated Ajibola, as he had already been repeating the same academic level during the last session. The PRO disclosed that the young man, whose father is a medical doctor, allegedly injected himself with a fatal substance, leading to his untimely death.

University Devastated by Loss

The statement from the University read in part:

“The entire community of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of a Part Two student of the Faculty of Dentistry. The student, identified as Ajibola Ibitayo (Matriculation Number: DEN/2021/023), committed suicide after learning that the results of the last semester examinations, released yesterday, would require him to repeat Part Two for another academic year. He had already been repeating Part Two during the last session. The student, whose father is a medical doctor, reportedly injected himself at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State.”

The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and described it as a heartbreaking reminder of the silent struggles many students face in their academic journeys. He called on parents, guardians, and the wider society to help young people understand that setbacks are a natural part of life and not a permanent roadblock.

Call for Mental Health Awareness and Support

Prof. Bamire urged students to see failure not as the end, but as an opportunity to re-strategise and redirect their efforts towards even greater achievements.

“Parents and guardians must instil in their children and wards the understanding that temporary setbacks in the pursuit of success are part of life and not the end of it,” Bamire emphasised.
He further prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family, the Faculty of Dentistry, the College of Health Sciences, and the entire University community, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

This tragedy has reignited discussions about the mental health crisis among university students in Nigeria, especially those pursuing demanding programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry, Law, and Engineering. Observers say the pressure to succeed academically, coupled with the fear of repeating courses, can push vulnerable students into depression and hopelessness.

Reactions and Condolences

Since news of Ajibola’s death broke, social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolences from fellow students, alumni, and members of the public. Many described the deceased as a bright young man whose potential was cut short by the weight of academic pressure. Some have called for the University to strengthen its counselling and psychological support systems to help students navigate emotional and mental health challenges.

Mental health experts also stress the importance of regular awareness campaigns, peer support systems, and confidential counselling channels within higher institutions. They note that suicide is preventable if warning signs are detected early and adequate intervention is provided.

Broader Lessons for Society

Ajibola’s death serves as a stark reminder that academic performance, while important, should never be the sole measure of a person’s worth or future potential. Education stakeholders are urging families and institutions to encourage resilience, open communication, and a supportive environment where students can seek help without fear of judgment.

As the University mourns the loss of one of its own, the story of Ajibola Ibitayo will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the OAU community and serve as a painful call to action to prioritise student mental health and well-being across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately by contacting a mental health professional, a counsellor, or a suicide prevention helpline in your country.

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