Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of Ajibola Ibitayo, a Part Two student of the Faculty of Dentistry, who allegedly took his own life after failing an examination for the second time.
The tragic incident occurred at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State, where Ajibola, whose father is a medical doctor, reportedly administered a lethal injection to himself.
Confirming the incident, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, said the deceased had repeated Part Two last academic session after failing his courses, and the latest examination results showed that he would have to repeat the same class again.
Olarewaju described the development as a huge loss to the university community, noting that the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, had expressed deep sadness over the student’s death.
Bamire used the incident to appeal to parents, guardians, and students to understand that academic setbacks are not the end of life, but opportunities to learn, grow, and try again. He stressed the need for young people to be resilient and to seek help when facing challenges.
“We must disabuse the minds of our children from the belief that failing an examination is the end of the road. It is not. They should see it as an opportunity to improve and try again,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The university urged students experiencing difficulties to take advantage of its counselling services and other support systems rather than resort to self-harm.
