The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of a male dental student who allegedly took his own life shortly after the release of his examination results.
The tragedy was confirmed in a statement by the President of the Faculty of Dentistry Students’ Association (IFUDSA), Adebayo Idris, who described the incident as a “devastating loss” to the university community.
“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,” Idris said.
The association noted that the death was a stark reminder of the silent struggles many students endure, urging colleagues to prioritise mental health and seek help when overwhelmed.
“This loss is not just the departure of a promising young mind, but a painful reminder of the silent battles many students face. We encourage members of our faculty to support one another and seek professional help when needed.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should ever feel alone in their struggles,” the statement read.
While details of the circumstances leading to the student’s death remain sketchy, the incident has renewed calls for improved mental health support on Nigerian campuses.
IFUDSA pledged to intensify advocacy for student welfare and mental health services to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident adds to a worrying trend of suicides among OAU students in recent years. In 2021, a 200-level Accounting student, identified as Emmanuel, reportedly ingested pesticide after expressing suicidal thoughts to friends.
He was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
Similarly, in August 2019, the university lost a student of English and Literature, Opeyemi Grace Dara, who was alleged to have committed suicide.
While initial reports linked her death to poor academic performance, the school management later clarified that her results were not bad enough to warrant such an act.
The latest case has once again brought to the fore the growing concerns over academic pressure, depression, and inadequate mental health support within Nigeria’s higher institutions.
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