In the wake of a tragic suicide at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the newly elected leadership of the university’s Students’ Union has announced plans to introduce comprehensive mental health programmes aimed at providing support for students grappling with academic pressure.
A 200-level Dentistry student, who was reportedly distressed after failing his recent exams, took his own life, prompting the union to act. The leadership described the incident as a sobering reminder of the pressures students face in their academic journey.
Habeeb Oke, the Secretary-General of the Students’ Union, revealed that the welfare office would lead the charge in addressing mental health issues. “Our Welfare Office is already making plans to introduce mental health workshops and events that will guide students on how to cope, especially with the strain that exam results can bring,” Oke shared in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Despite the new administration only settling in a week ago, the union is prioritising mental health. “We are still outlining our strategy, but we will roll out concrete plans soon,” Oke assured, adding that mental health would be a central focus in their upcoming events.
The union’s statement further expressed deep sorrow at the student’s passing, calling the incident “unimaginable,” and highlighted the often unseen struggles students endure. The leadership also stressed the importance of seeking help when feeling overwhelmed. “Mental health challenges are real, and seeking help is a sign of strength,” they said.
The university has also urged students to utilise its health services, which include confidential counselling, available to all students. “There is always hope, and help is only a conversation away,” the union affirmed, promising to continue advocating for better mental health resources and to destigmatise these discussions.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the student’s death, stating that the incident occurred at the student’s family home in Ejigbo, Osun State. The student had been repeating the class following his previous academic setbacks.
OAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, also expressed his condolences and urged both parents and students to understand that setbacks are part of life. “Failure is not the end of the road,” Bamire said, encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities to find new paths to success.
