August 14, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of a Part-Two medical student, Ajibola Ibitayo, who reportedly took his own life after failing his examinations.
In a statement released on Thursday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed that Ibitayo, a Faculty of Dentistry student with matriculation number DEN/2021/023, was found dead in what the university described as a case of suicide.
According to Olarewaju, the examination results were released on Wednesday and indicated that Ibitayo would have to repeat Part Two of his programme for the second time.
“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 statement read.
The university management expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended condolences to the late student’s family, friends, and colleagues. Olarewaju also urged students to seek support from the university’s counselling services whenever they face academic or personal challenges, rather than resorting to extreme measures.
The death has sparked fresh conversations around mental health awareness and academic pressure among Nigerian students, with several voices calling for stronger support systems within higher institutions to address stress, depression, and related issues.
