Tragedy at Obafemi Awolowo University as Dental Student Dies by Suicide After Exam Results
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| Tragedy at Obafemi Awolowo University as Dental Student Dies by Suicide After Exam Results |
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community has been thrown into mourning following the reported suicide of a dental student shortly after the release of examination results.
In an official statement signed by the President of the Ife University Dental Students’ Association (IFUDSA), Adebayo Idris, the association described the death as a devastating loss to the Faculty of Dentistry and the university at large.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of our colleagues in the Faculty of Dentistry. We have received the painful news that he took his own life shortly after the release of examination results,” the statement read.
Idris noted that the incident serves as a stark reminder of the silent mental health struggles faced by many students, urging the university community to prioritise emotional wellbeing. “This loss is not just the departure of a promising young mind, but a painful reminder of the hidden battles many face. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him,” he said.
IFUDSA further called on students to seek help when facing emotional distress, stressing that mental health is just as important as physical health. “We encourage all members of our faculty to reach out to one another, offer support, and seek professional help when needed. No one should ever feel alone in their struggles,” the association urged.
The association also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for better student welfare and mental health resources within the university, with hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Sadly, this is not the first time OAU has witnessed such a tragedy. In 2021, a 200-level Accounting student named Emmanuel reportedly died by suicide after ingesting pesticide. He had allegedly confided in friends about his intentions before being rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Similarly, in August 2019, the university lost another student, Opeyemi Grace Dara, from the Department of English and Literature, who was said to have taken her own life after allegedly struggling emotionally. While initial reports linked her death to academic performance, the school’s management later clarified that her grades were not poor enough to justify such a conclusion.
Mental health experts continue to stress the importance of early intervention, peer support, and access to counselling services for students facing overwhelming academic and personal pressures. Platforms such as Nigeria Suicide Prevention Initiative and university counselling centres are available to provide confidential support to anyone in distress.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for higher institutions in Nigeria to prioritise student mental health support alongside academic excellence, ensuring that no student feels isolated or hopeless.
