The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of a 200-level student of Dentistry, Ajibola Ibitayo, who allegedly took his own life over poor academic performance.
Ibitayo, with matriculation number DEN/2021/023, reportedly ended his life after learning he would have to repeat Part Two for a second consecutive year. The tragedy occurred at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State, where he allegedly injected himself with a substance.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident yesterday, noting that the late student had already repeated the same level in the previous session.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the incident as a painful loss, urging parents and guardians to instill resilience in their children and help them understand that setbacks are not the end of life. He encouraged students to see failure as a chance to re-strategize and achieve greater success.
Bamire prayed for God to comfort the bereaved family, the Faculty of Dentistry, the College of Health Sciences, and the entire university community.
