Tragedy has struck the University of Ibadan following the death of a 200-level medical student, Ifeoluwa Wisdom Akinmade, who reportedly ingested a harmful substance and later passed away despite emergency medical intervention.
The announcement was conveyed in a joint statement issued by the leadership of the University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association.
In the statement, the association expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the deceased as a valued colleague and member of the 200-level medical class.
“Our community has been shaken by this painful loss,” the statement read. “We mourn a young life full of promise and pray for strength and comfort for his family and friends during this difficult period.”
Sources within the student community disclosed that Akinmade was rushed to a medical facility within the university immediately after the incident.
However, as his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the University College Hospital for advanced care.
Despite sustained efforts by medical personnel, he was later confirmed dead.
The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed that the student was brought in after allegedly consuming a substance suspected to be a pesticide product commonly referred to as “Sniper.”
She stated that doctors responded swiftly but were unable to reverse the damage.
“He was received in critical condition and managed promptly. Unfortunately, he did not survive,” she said.
Meanwhile, a message attributed to the warden of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall circulated widely on social media, noting that the incident occurred in the early hours following midnight.
The message urged students to prioritise seeking help in moments of distress rather than resorting to irreversible decisions.
Furthermore, some online posts speculated that academic pressure may have contributed to the incident, although no official confirmation has been provided to substantiate those claims.
As of press time, the university’s management had not released a formal statement addressing the circumstances surrounding the death.
Efforts to obtain clarification from the Dean of Student Affairs were unsuccessful.
The development has sparked renewed conversations about student welfare, mental health awareness, and the need for stronger support systems within tertiary institutions across Nigeria.