A final-year student of Babcock University, Joshua Lawson, has tragically taken his own life after being handed a one-year suspension over alleged examination malpractice.
Lawson, a 20-year-old Computer Science student in his fourth year, reportedly died by suicide on Wednesday at his family’s residence in Lagos, just days after receiving news of his suspension from the university’s disciplinary committee.
He was set to graduate on July 27.
The incident has sparked widespread grief and outrage within the Babcock community and beyond, with students and sympathisers expressing condolences and questioning the university’s disciplinary approach on social media.
Speaking to our correspondent in a phone interview on Friday, Babcock University’s Director of Communication and Marketing, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, confirmed that Lawson had been found guilty of examination misconduct and placed on a one-year suspension.
“The school is aware of the tragic incident,” Suleiman said. “He was a 400-level Computer Science student.
“He faced the university disciplinary committee for examination malpractice; he was found guilty and handed a one-year academic suspension.
“He has not even come for his suspension letter, maybe he got to know about the suspension. But we don’t know whatever happened thereafter. We only heard that the student took his life.”
The university’s confirmation has further fuelled an emotional outpouring online, with many students mourning the loss and calling for more humane policies within the institution.
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One student wrote on social media, “How can someone be so close to the finish line just a month to their convocation, and suddenly, everything gets ripped away because of an ‘exam misconduct’ case? Two years’ suspension? Cancelling an entire semester?
That’s not just punishment… that’s destruction. This isn’t just about rules anymore. This is a life. A dream.
“A family’s pride. And now that life is gone to suicide. Even if the person made a mistake, where is the compassion? Where is the support? Where is the humanity?”
Another added, “If this school does not stop some of their stupid policies or actions, it will continue getting worse!!! Like whyyyy…??”
Responding to the backlash, Dr. Suleiman stressed that while the university deeply regrets the tragedy, its policies are in line with institutional standards.
“The university is never happy that anyone dies, in fact, we wish this never happened and we commiserate with the family,” he said.
“However, like every institution and organisation, the university has its rules that the staff and the students are well aware of, and these rules also come with their penalties which are usually applied once an infraction is established.”
He maintained, “Like I said earlier, we are not happy that anybody dies, certainly not.”
Joshua Lawson’s tragic death has intensified ongoing national discussions surrounding mental health, academic pressure, and the impact of disciplinary measures in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
