The Obafemi Awolowo University Dental Students’ Association (IFUDSA) has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of its members from the Faculty of Dentistry. The tragic incident, confirmed in a statement signed by the association’s president, Adebayo Idris, occurred shortly after the release of examination results.
According to the statement dated August 13, 2025, the young dental student allegedly took his own life, a development the association described as “the departure of a promising young mind” and a “painful reminder of the silent battles many students face.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him,” the statement read in part. “This tragedy will leave many in shock, with questions and emotions that may be difficult to process. We encourage all members of our faculty to reach out to one another, offer support, and seek professional help when needed. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should ever feel alone in their struggles.”
The association reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improved student welfare and mental health support within the university, expressing hope that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
The late student’s death has sparked renewed conversations about the growing pressure faced by university students in Nigeria, especially in professional courses like dentistry, where academic demands are intense. Experts have repeatedly called for institutions to prioritize mental health awareness, counseling services, and safe spaces for students to share their challenges without stigma.
As the university community mourns, colleagues and friends have taken to social media to share tributes, describing the deceased as intelligent, kind, and full of potential.
While the university authorities have yet to release an official statement, the tragedy serves as another sobering reminder of the urgent need for proactive mental health interventions in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
