OAU Grieves As Final-Year Student Allegedly Commits Suicide In Ile-Ife

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

A final-year student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Oluwole Oluwaseun, has allegedly died by suicide, prompting the Nigeria Police to commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Oluwaseun, a student of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, reportedly died at an apartment in the Damico Area of Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The university management, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said it received information about an emergency involving the student at about 1:30 p.m.

According to the statement, the university’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team immediately moved to the location, while the police were contacted.

Police officers from the ‘A’ Division, Moore, Ile-Ife, subsequently joined the university’s security personnel at the scene.

The student was later conveyed to the University Health Centre, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.

The university said it had handed over relevant information and items recovered from the scene to the police to assist the investigation.

“The Police have commenced investigation into the circumstances of the incident,” the statement said.

Management expressed concern over the incident and urged members of the university community to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified reports or speculation while the investigation continues.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, conveyed his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, classmates and colleagues, while expressing concern for students and other members of the university community who may be emotionally affected by the tragedy.

The university also urged students facing severe emotional distress, relationship challenges, financial difficulties or other personal problems to seek assistance promptly from trusted individuals and appropriate support structures within the institution.

Professor Bamire reaffirmed the university management’s commitment to the welfare of staff and students, stressing that no student should feel compelled to confront overwhelming challenges alone.

The institution assured the university community that the appropriate authorities were handling the matter and that further information would be released through official channels when necessary.