The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State has confirmed the death of a Part 2 medical student, Ajibola Ibitayo, who reportedly committed suicide shortly after the release of his examination results.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Thursday confirmed the death of the student, with matriculation number: DEN/2021/023.
According to Olarewaju, the results of examinations were released on Wednesday and it would have required Ibitayo to repeat Part 2 for the second time.
He said: “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.
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“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.”
Saddened by the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Simeon Bamire, appealed to parents and guardians to instill in their children the understanding that temporary setbacks in the pursuit of success are part of life and not the end of it.
Bamire also urged students and young people to view failure as an opportunity to redirect their paths toward success and greater achievements.
He prayed that God Almighty would grant the parents, family, Faculty, College of Health Sciences, and the University community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Obafemi Awolowo University Dental Students’ Association (IFUDSA) also confirmed the incident.
In an official statement signed by IFUDSA President, Adebayo Idris, the association described the incident as a devastating loss.
Idris said: “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.
“This loss is not just the departure of a promising young mind, but a painful reminder of the silent battles many students face.
“As an association, we are devastated, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him.”
The association noted that the tragedy may leave many in shock and urged students to seek help and support each other.
Idris added: “We understand that this tragedy will leave many in shock, with questions and emotions that may be difficult to process.
“We encourage all members of our faculty to reach out to one another, offer support, 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 further reaffirmed IFUDSA’s commitment to improving student welfare and mental health support.
