Obafemi Awolowo University Confirms Death of Medical Student in Suspected Suicide

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the death of a second-year medical student, Ajibola Ibitayo, in what is being reported as a case of suicide.

According to sources within the institution, Ajibola allegedly took his own life after failing a crucial examination twice — a setback that may have deeply affected his mental and emotional wellbeing.

In a statement, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, described the incident as tragic and heartbreaking, expressing condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

“We have lost a promising young mind. The university community is deeply saddened by this occurrence,” Olanrewaju said.

Reports suggest that the incident has sparked conversations among students about the intense academic pressure in medical school and the need for better mental health support systems on campus.

The university management has urged students to seek counseling and mental health assistance when facing academic or personal challenges, stressing that no academic setback is worth a life.

Ajibola’s passing has left the campus community in mourning, with tributes pouring in on social media from classmates and friends who described him as intelligent, kind, and hardworking.