The pressure of academic life is taking a toll on students, with experts urging tertiary institutions to strengthen mental health support systems to prevent tragedies.
Prof. Remi Alarape, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Ibadan, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ota, Ogun State, that universities must provide robust support for students in distress.
“Without effective coping strategies, students might feel that failure in examination equates to failure in life, leading to despair,” Alarape said.
He described the challenges students face, especially in demanding fields like medicine, as a reminder of the need for open discussions about mental health, peer support networks, mentorship programmes, and counselling services.
“The tragic loss of this young student serves as a painful reminder of the need for compassion, understanding and support within our educational system,” he added.
Alarape also advised parents to temper expectations and encouraged students struggling with academic stress or feelings of hopelessness to seek help from mental health professionals.
“Failure is a part of life and learning; it does not define your worth or future. Many successful individuals faced setbacks and continued to thrive,” he said.
He stressed that institutions must prioritise student well-being alongside academic performance, creating a culture where students can seek help without fear of judgment.
PUNCH Online reports that this call comes in the wake of the death of Ajibola Ibitayo, a Part Two medical student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, who reportedly committed suicide after failing his examinations.
According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, the results released on Wednesday indicated that Ibitayo would have to repeat Part Two for a second time.
The student, whose father is a medical doctor, reportedly injected himself at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simeon Bamire expressed sorrow over the incident and urged parents and students to view temporary setbacks as part of life and as an opportunity to redirect paths toward success.
