A medical student at the University of Ibadan has died after allegedly ingesting insecticide, the latest in a series of tragic incidents that have raised fresh concerns about mental health support for students at Nigerian Universities.
The 200 level student, identified as Ifeoluwa Wisdom Akinmade, was found unconscious on the ground floor of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall on Sunday night, 1 March, foaming at the mouth.
According to sources, the student reportedly admitted to ingesting an insecticide identified as Sniper before losing consciousness. He was rushed to Jaja Clinic, where he was stabilised with oxygen and intravenous fluids before being transferred to the University College Hospital's emergency unit and placed on life support.
The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the student's death on Tuesday. "Yes, it is true. He was brought to the hospital. He is dead," she stated.
The University of Ibadan is Nigeria's oldest University and premier tertiary institution, established in 1948. With thousands of students enrolled across its faculties, the institution has, in recent years, grappled with issues around student welfare and mental health, similar to those facing Universities across the country.
Research has shown that medical students at the University of Ibadan face significant mental health challenges, with studies indicating high levels of anxiety and depression linked to academic pressure, financial stress, and fear of failure.
The incident has reignited calls for Nigerian Universities to strengthen mental health support systems, provide accessible counselling services, and create awareness around the importance of seeking help in times of distress.
