A tragic incident has shaken the academic community of the following the death of a 300-level medical student who reportedly consumed an insecticide on Sunday night.
According to sources within the institution, the student was found on the ground floor of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall by a fellow undergraduate, who raised the alarm after noticing that he was disoriented and in visible distress. Witnesses disclosed that the student allegedly admitted to ingesting an insecticide identified as “Sniper” before he lost consciousness.
Hall authorities were immediately notified, and emergency steps were taken to secure medical assistance. The Students’ Union bus service reportedly transported the student to Jaja Clinic, where he was initially stabilised with oxygen and intravenous fluids. Due to the severity of his condition, he was subsequently transferred to the emergency unit of the (UCH) for specialised treatment. Medical personnel placed him on life support in an effort to save his life.
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Despite sustained medical intervention, the student succumbed later that evening. Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, stated that the hospital responded promptly upon receiving the patient but regrettably could not reverse the situation. “The student was brought in based on the report that he consumed Sniper, and the UCH responded accordingly. Sadly, he did not survive,” she said.
The deceased’s parents, who reside in Akure, Ondo State, were contacted and arrived at the hospital prior to his passing. During preliminary inquiries, they reportedly suggested the possibility of poisoning. However, some of his roommates insisted that he had acknowledged ingesting the insecticide. They further disclosed that he had recently appeared withdrawn, rarely attended lectures, and had been avoiding communication with his family.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about student mental health and emotional well-being within tertiary institutions. Advocacy groups have continued to call for increased awareness, improved access to counselling services, and stronger support systems for students facing psychological or academic pressures.
Notably, the development coincides with a recent statement issued by the advocacy organisation , which condemned the growing trend of suicide-themed skits circulating on social media. The group warned that trivialising self-harm for entertainment could be harmful to individuals experiencing emotional distress.
The organisation’s Project Coordinator, Toye Arulogun, emphasised that suicide remains a serious public health concern and urged content creators and the public to exercise sensitivity. She noted that irresponsible portrayals could undermine ongoing efforts aimed at discouraging self-harm and promoting mental health awareness.
As investigations and inquiries continue, members of the university community have expressed grief over the loss, describing the incident as both heartbreaking and a reminder of the urgent need for collective vigilance, compassion, and proactive mental health support for young people navigating academic and personal challenges.