The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the passing of Ajibola Ibitayo, a Part Two student of the Faculty of Dentistry, who reportedly committed suicide after failing his examinations.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, Ajibola, with matriculation number DEN/2021/023, took his life following the release of results on Wednesday.
Olarewaju explained that the outcome of the examinations meant Ajibola would have to repeat Part Two for the second time.
“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.
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,” the statement read in part.
Vice-Chancellor Calls for Perspective on Setbacks
Reacting to the tragedy, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Simeon Bamire, urged parents and guardians to teach their children that temporary setbacks in the pursuit of success are not the end of life.
“Students and young people should learn to see failure as an opportunity to redirect their paths toward success and greater achievements,” he said.Bamire expressed condolences to the bereaved family, the Faculty, the College of Health Sciences, and the university community, praying for the strength to bear the loss.
Rising Concern Over Academic Pressure
This incident highlights growing concerns about the mental health of Nigerian students, particularly in demanding professional courses such as Medicine and Dentistry, where the academic workload and high stakes can create intense pressure. Mental health advocates have repeatedly called for universities to provide more counselling services, stress management workshops, and supportive interventions for students at risk.