(DDM) – The Obafemi Awolowo University Dental Students’ Association (IFUDSA) has confirmed the tragic death of one of its members, who reportedly took his own life shortly after the release of examination results.
In a statement obtained by DDM and signed by IFUDSA President, Adebayo Idris, the association described the incident as a devastating loss that has plunged the Faculty of Dentistry into deep mourning.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of our colleagues in the Faculty of Dentistry,” the statement read.
According to DDM findings, the deceased’s death is not just the loss of a promising young mind but a painful reminder of the silent battles many students face in academic environments.
The association extended heartfelt condolences to the late student’s family, friends, and classmates while calling on members to prioritise mental health and emotional support.
“We encourage all members of our faculty to reach out to one another, offer support, and seek professional help when needed,” IFUDSA urged.
DDM reports that the association reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improved student welfare and mental health services to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This is not the first time the university community has been shaken by student suicides linked to depression and psychological distress.
In 2021, a 200-level Accounting student named Emmanuel died after ingesting pesticide.
Friends revealed to DDM that Emmanuel had spoken about his suicide intentions before the act, and despite being rushed to hospital, he was declared dead on arrival.
Similarly, in August 2019, the institution lost another student, Opeyemi Grace Dara, from the Department of English and Literature, who was said to have taken her own life after consuming pesticide.
Although initial reports linked Dara’s death to poor academic performance, the school management later clarified that her academic records were not bad enough to justify suicide.
Mental health experts told DDM that rising academic pressures, financial struggles, and limited emotional support contribute to student depression in Nigerian universities.
They have urged institutions to establish safe spaces, improve counselling services, and adopt proactive strategies to address the growing mental health crisis.
The latest tragedy at OAU underscores the urgent need for nationwide interventions to combat the rising wave of student suicides across Nigerian campuses.
