A final year student of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Oluwole Oluwasegun of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, has reportedly committed suicide.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Olarewaju Abiodun, on Wednesday disclosed that the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the off-campus hostel of the deceased.
Abiodun added that the management was informed of the incident in the afternoon that the deceased committed suicide at his residence located around the Damico area of Ooni layout in the ancient town.
He explained that upon receipt of the information, the University’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team immediately proceeded to the location, adding that the Nigeria Police was promptly contacted, with officers from the ‘A’ Division, Moore, Ile-Ife, joining University security personnel at the scene. He said the student was subsequently conveyed to the University Health Centre, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.
Abiodun disclosed that the University is deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the death, hence it had handed relevant information and items recovered from the scene to the Police for further investigation.
The Police have commenced investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
He said the University had also notified the appropriate student affairs authorities for necessary follow-up, particularly with respect to the welfare and support of students affected by the incident.
Abiodun further disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, has extended the heartfelt condolences of the management to the family, friends, classmates and colleagues of the deceased at this difficult moment.
He said the school further encouraged any student experiencing severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, financial pressures or other personal challenges to seek help promptly from trusted persons and the appropriate University support structures.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of staff and students, stressing that no student should feel that he or she has to confront overwhelming difficulties alone.
