The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife has confirmed the death of a student of the school who committed suicide by ingesting sniper, a popular anti-insecticide.
DAILY POST had gathered from sources that two students of the school ingested sniper which resulted in the instant death of one of them.
The source, a student of Awo Hall, Ekundayo Adeniran stated that, “On Tuesday 20th of April, 2021, Adedeji Emmanuel, a 200 level student of the Department of Management and Accounting drank the deadly poison, sniper and was found dead behind one of the school’s lecture halls.
He noted that the reason behind his decision was unknown but was not unconnected to academic pressure.
Also, one of his course mates revealed that prior to his death, “Emmanuel took his friend out. So, he showed no sign of depression or sadness.”
DAILY POST could not ascertain the identity of the other student but obtained information that he is in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC).
Meanwhile, Nigerians from different walks of life have started to react to the news.
Orifunke Lawal, an entrepreneur and educationist observed that having two students committing suicide under 24 hours in the Obafemi Awolowo University was not a good indication.
While noting that the situation in the university was horrible and that students were overworked and overwhelmed, she wondered what the school management was doing about the situation.
Dr. Supo Awojide was of the opinion that Nigerian universities needed to improve the university experience for students, adding that stories of several students taking their own lives suggest that something urgent needed to be done.
He listed pastoral care, academic mentoring and student support services as areas where interventions can be sought.
Toyib Adewale Adelodun canvassed for more support for students through paying of attention to mental health as well.
According to him, “schools in the UK do surveys to check with the students if they are enjoying the learning experience. I want Nigerian universities to do more to make students feel at home.”
Gracious Adesola, a student noted that, “Nigeria University system isn’t students friendly. From lecturers wickedness to too much work load and outdated lectures. More needs to be done. Being at the mercy of lecturers is something so bad and unpalatable.”
For Mrs. Oqua, a university lecturer, being a staff made her to understand student’s plight.
She revealed that lecturers take out their frustrations on the students and wondered what someone without human compassion was doing in a university environment.
Agboola Ayomide, a medical student feels the issue of students’ mental health has been overlooked.