The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the tragic death of Ajibola Ibitayo, a part-two medical student who reportedly took his own life after receiving misinformation about his examination results.

In a statement released on Thursday, the University's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, revealed that Ibitayo was a student in the Faculty of Dentistry with matriculation number DEN/2021/023. According to the official statement, the student had been repeating Part Two and was reportedly required to do so again after the latest results were released on Wednesday.

"The entire community of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of a Part Two student of the Faculty of Dentistry," Olarewaju stated.

The deceased, whose father is a medical doctor, reportedly injected himself at his parents' home in Ejigbo, Osun State, after learning about his supposed examination outcome.

However, a source close to the situation revealed a disturbing twist to the story. According to the source, Ibitayo's actual results were good, contrary to what he had been told. A friend had allegedly misinformed him about his performance, which may have contributed to his decision to take his own life.

"It is shocking because his results were good. His friend just told him otherwise," the source disclosed to BenriNews.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Simeon Bamire, expressed deep sadness over the incident and called on parents and guardians to help their children understand that setbacks are not the end of life.

"Temporary setbacks in the pursuit of success are part of life and should not be seen as the end. Students must be encouraged to see failure as an opportunity to redirect their paths toward success and greater achievements," Bamire said.

The OAU management urged students facing academic challenges to seek support and counselling services available within the university to help them cope with difficulties.

Adebayo Idris, President of the Dentistry Students' Association, also confirmed the development in a statement, describing Ajibola's death as a painful loss and a reminder of the silent struggles faced by many students.

"This loss is not just the departure of a promising young mind, but a painful reminder of the silent battles many students face," the statement read.

The association urged students to support one another and seek professional help when necessary, emphasizing that mental health is as important as physical health.

This incident highlights the critical importance of mental health awareness and support systems in academic institutions, particularly in high-pressure environments like medical schools.

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