Tragedy struck the University of Ibadan (UI) community on Sunday night when a 300-level medical student reportedly died after ingesting an insecticide. The student’s identity has been withheld by authorities.
According to reports, a fellow student found him on the ground floor of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, disoriented and foaming at the mouth. The student allegedly admitted to taking the insecticide, identified as Sniper, before losing consciousness.
The student’s roommates reportedly acted quickly by alerting hall authorities, who contacted the Students’ Union bus service to transport him to Jaja Clinic for initial treatment.
At the clinic, he was stabilised with oxygen and intravenous fluids before being transferred to the emergency unit of University College Hospital Ibadan. There, he was placed on life support in a bid to save his life.
The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the student’s death. She said, “The boy passed away on Sunday evening. The student was brought in based on the report that he consumed Sniper, and the UCH responded accordingly. Sadly, he did not survive.”
The student’s parents, who live in Akure, were contacted and called to the hospital before his death. During preliminary inquiries, they suggested the possibility that their son might have been poisoned.
However, the roommates stated that the student had confessed to ingesting the insecticide. They also noted that he had been increasingly withdrawn in recent weeks, rarely attended lectures, and had been avoiding calls from his parents.
University authorities and the Students’ Union have expressed shock over the incident. They have urged students to support one another and seek help when experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Counseling services on campus are reportedly on standby to assist students affected by the tragedy.
University counseling centers and health units are essential in providing support and early intervention. Students are encouraged to speak with campus counselors, lecturers, or trusted peers if they experience stress or emotional difficulties.
University authorities have reiterated the importance of vigilance among students, warning peers to watch for signs of distress in roommates and friends. Early reporting can help prevent tragedies and ensure timely intervention.
