The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic death of a part-two medical student, Ajibola Ibitayo, from the Faculty of Dentistry.

According to the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, Ajibola reportedly took his own life after believing he had failed his examinations for the second consecutive year. The institution explained that the results released on Wednesday indicated he would have to repeat Part Two for another academic session — a level he had already repeated once before.

Ajibola, whose father is a medical doctor, was said to have injected himself at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State. However, a source later revealed that his results were actually good, contrary to what he had been told by a friend, suggesting that misinformation may have played a tragic role in his decision.

OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, described the incident as a heavy loss for the university. He urged parents, guardians, and students to understand that academic setbacks are not the end of life but an opportunity to re-strategize and work toward future success.

“This is a painful reminder of the silent struggles many students face. Mental health is as important as physical health, and support should be sought when needed,” Bamire stressed.

The Dentistry Students’ Association President, Adebayo Idris, also lamented the loss, urging students to look out for one another and seek professional help during difficult times.

The university management has called on students to make use of the counselling services available on campus to help them navigate academic and emotional challenges.

Ajibola’s death has sparked conversations about mental health, academic pressure, and the dangers of misinformation in Nigerian universities.