The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has taken action to offer succour to students suffering mental anguish on account of their poor academic performances.
The institution is weighing options, including the possibility of granting a waiver for these students, following a recent incident involving a 200-level student who attempted suicide due to academic problems.
Though, the decision of the university is coming following a disturbing situation on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, when a student, who had transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education, attempted to commit suicide.
In an internal memo on Wednesday, dated November 1, 2024, from the university’s Senate Division, revealed that a special Committee of Deans meeting was convened to address the case of the affected student and thereafter came up with compassionate measures.
The memo, signed by the Deputy Registrar, M.S. Oluwajoba, revealed that the student, whose name was not me mentioned, had transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education, and reportedly attempted suicide on October 16.
The incident prompted the Dean of the Faculty to take up the matter to the higher authorities.
The memo titled, “Decision Extract: Re: Special Meeting of Committee of Deans held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024,” and directed to all deans reads, “The Dean, Faculty of Education reported a case of a suicide attempt by a Part II student who transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
“After due deliberation on the matter, the Committee decided that: Members of staff should continue as usual to offer support to our students.
“The departmental and the Faculty Boards of Examiners are advised and encouraged to provide an enabling environment for students’ support.
“Staff and Part Advisers should kindly cooperate in this regard.
“The above information supersedes the earlier circulated decision extract.”
Meanwhile, an earlier circular from the office, dated October 17, 2024, had said any student who had only one or two courses to pass to graduate, having attempted those courses in the previous semesters, “should be considered to graduate on compassionate grounds provided such assistance SHALL NOT change the candidate’s class of degree.”