By Adesakin Adefemi
A devastating incident has shaken the University of Ibadan (UI) community, as a 200-level medical student, Ifeoluwa Akinmade, reportedly took her own life after struggling with a low Continuous Assessment (CA) score.
According to reports, Akinmade consumed a harmful substance, believed to be Sniper, on Saturday midnight, and was rushed to a hospital within the university before being transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH), where she ultimately passed away after being in a coma for several hours.
The University of Ibadan Medical Students Association (UIMSA) confirmed Akinmade’s death in a statement, describing it as a “profound grief” and urging students to seek help when needed.
The statement, signed by Folusho Olu-Adegbola and Babatunde Dauda, president and general secretary of UIMSA, respectively, read: “In this moment of profound grief, let us come together in quiet reflection and hold our departed brother, his family, his close friends, and all who have known and loved him in heartfelt prayers, that they may find divine comfort, strength, and peace amid this unbearable sorrow.”
A social media influencer, Hon. Jesugbemi, shared the UIMSA statement on X, adding that the news was formally communicated by the warden of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall.
According to the hall warden, Akinmade took her life because of a low CA score, highlighting the immense pressure students face in academic institutions.
The university management has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but the UCH public relations officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed Akinmade’s death, stating that the hospital responded accordingly but sadly, she did not survive.
This tragic incident has sparked concerns about the mental health and well-being of students in Nigerian universities, with many calling for increased support and resources to help students cope with academic pressures.
Akinmade’s death serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking help when needed, and the UI community is mourning the loss of a bright and promising young student.
The incident has also raised questions about the university’s grading system and the pressure placed on students to perform well, with many calling for reforms to reduce stress and promote a healthier academic environment.
