A 200-level medical student of the University of Ibadan has died after reportedly consuming an insecticide in what is suspected to be a case of suicide.
The student, identified as Ifeoluwa Wisdom Akinmade, was said to have taken a substance believed to be “Sniper” on Saturday midnight and was rushed to a medical facility within the university before being transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he later passed away on Sunday evening after several hours in a coma.
His death was announced on Monday in a statement jointly signed by Folusho Olu-Adegbola and Babatunde Dauda, President and General Secretary of the UI Medical Students Association (UIMSA).
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our brother and colleague, Ifeoluwa Wisdom Akinmade, a member of the 200-level Constituency,” the statement 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.”
The news was also shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Ibadan-based social media influencer Hon. Jesugbemi, who quoted the warden of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall as confirming the incident.
According to posts circulating online, the student was suspected to have taken his life over a reportedly low Continuous Assessment (CA) score, although this claim has not been officially confirmed by the university authorities.
When contacted, the university’s spokesperson referred inquiries to the Dean of Student Affairs, who had yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.
The Public Relations Officer of UCH confirmed the death, stating that the hospital responded promptly after the student was brought in but that he did not survive.
The incident has sparked renewed conversations about mental health challenges among students and the pressures associated with academic performance. Advocacy groups, including Suicide Is No Solution Initiative, have continued to warn against content that trivialises suicide and have urged individuals facing emotional distress to seek help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please consider reaching out to a trusted person, a mental health professional, or a local emergency service immediately. You are not alone, and support is available.
