Grief and shock have enveloped the Obafemi Awolowo University community after a final-year student of Materials Science and Engineering, Oluwole Oluwaseun, was found dead in what is suspected to be a case of suicide.
The heartbreaking incident, which occurred outside the campus walls, has left classmates, lecturers and friends struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young man said to be on the verge of completing his academic journey.
The University management, through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the painful loss on Tuesday, describing it as deeply saddening.
Panic in Damico As QRS Team Storms Student Apartment
According to Olarewaju, tension began at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, when the University received a distress alert about an emergency involving Oluwole at an apartment in Damico Area, Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife.
The institution’s Quick Response and Security Team immediately raced to the scene. The alarm was also raised to the Nigeria Police Force, with officers from ‘A’ Division, Moore, Ile-Ife, joining OAU security operatives at the location.
The student was rushed to the University Health Centre for urgent attention, but a medical doctor on duty certified him dead. Sources at the scene said relevant items recovered from the apartment have now been handed over to the Police.
VC Mourns, Police Begin Investigation, OAU Warns Against Rumours
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and classmates of the deceased, describing the death as a heavy blow to the entire University.
The Police have commenced a full-scale investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the University’s Student Affairs Division has been directed to provide welfare and emotional support for affected students.
In a passionate appeal, OAU urged students to remain calm and desist from spreading unverified information about the tragedy.
The management also encouraged any student battling emotional distress, financial pressure or personal challenges to promptly seek help from trusted persons and the University counselling and support structures, stressing that “no student should feel that he or she has to confront overwhelming difficulties alone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, counsellor, or call a mental health helpline in your area. You are not alone.
