The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the death of a Part Two medical student, Ajibola Ibitayo, who allegedly took his own life.
In a statement on Thursday, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said Ibitayo, with matriculation number DEN/2021/023, died after failing his examinations. The results, released on Wednesday, meant he would have to repeat Part Two for the second time.
“The entire OAU community is in mourning following the death of a Part Two student from the Faculty of Dentistry. He reportedly committed suicide after learning that he would have to repeat the academic year again,” the statement read in part.
Olarewaju added that Ibitayo, whose father is a medical doctor, allegedly injected himself at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simeon Bamire described the incident as deeply saddening and urged parents to teach their children that setbacks are a normal part of life, not the end of it. He encouraged students to see failure as a chance to redirect their efforts toward greater achievements.
Bamire prayed for strength for the student’s family, the Faculty of Dentistry, the College of Health Sciences, and the entire university community to bear the loss.
