Tragedy Hits OAU: Final-Year Engineering Student Dies In Suspected Suicide At Off-Campus Apartment
ILE-IFE, NIGERIA — The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community has been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic death of Oluwole Oluwaseun, a final-year student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
The incident, which occurred at an off-campus residence within the Damico Area, Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife, is currently under intense police investigation.
According to an official statement released by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution was alerted to an emergency involving the student at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
In a swift response, OAU’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team mobilized to the scene. They were immediately joined by officers from the Nigeria Police Force ‘A’ Division in Moore, Ile-Ife.
Oluwaseun was rushed to the University Health Centre, where he was tragically certified dead by a medical doctor on duty.
Deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the sudden demise, university authorities have handed over all recovered items and relevant information from the scene to the police to aid their investigation.
Management Urges Calm, Offers Support
In the wake of the tragedy, Vice Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, classmates, and friends of the deceased. Professor Bamire strongly reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to student welfare, emphasizing that “no student should feel that he or she has to confront overwhelming difficulties alone.”
The university management has strictly urged the campus community to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified rumors or speculations while the police investigation is ongoing.
Furthermore, student affairs authorities have been activated to provide necessary follow-up care, welfare, and emotional support to students affected by the tragedy. The university is strongly encouraging anyone experiencing severe emotional distress, financial pressures, or personal challenges to immediately seek help from trusted individuals or the official counseling structures on campus.
