The academic communities of Ekiti State have been thrown into mourning and deep reflection following two tragic suicide-related incidents involving students of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) and Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti. These events, which occurred within a very short timeframe, have sent shockwaves across both institutions, highlighting the urgent need for mental health awareness and support systems for young people in tertiary institutions.
In the first incident, a 300-level Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) student of BOUESTI, identified as Olamilekan Alabi and popularly known as “Lekan Loader,” was reportedly found dead after taking his own life. According to multiple sources within the university, the deceased ingested a combination of Sniper insecticide, Dettol antiseptic, and a popular energy drink called Black Bullet, which led to his untimely demise.
The news of Olamilekan’s death spread quickly across social media and within the Ikere-Ekiti campus. Olamilekan was not only known for his academic pursuits but also for his exceptional football skills, which had earned him admiration from his peers. His sudden and tragic decision to end his life has left friends, lecturers, and students in shock, wondering what could have prompted such an action from a young man with a seemingly bright future.
Adding a tragic twist to the incident, a video widely circulated online shows the deceased leaving a note in which he requested that his girlfriend should not be held responsible for his death. The note, though brief, revealed the weight of emotional pain he must have been enduring before taking the fatal decision. Another video also surfaced, showing his body being carried from a vehicle during his burial rites, an image that left many viewers heartbroken.
This sad occurrence at BOUESTI has sparked intense discussions about the silent struggles faced by students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. While Olamilekan’s exact reasons for committing suicide remain unclear, many have speculated about issues such as academic pressure, financial hardship, and relationship problems all factors known to contribute to mental health crises among young adults.
Barely days after Olamilekan’s death, another incident occurred at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti. This time, it involved a 200-level female student of the Industrial Chemistry (ICH) program who attempted to take her own life. According to eyewitness reports, the student consumed Sniper insecticide following a heated altercation with her boyfriend, who had allegedly asked her to leave his residence after a disagreement.
Upon returning home after the quarrel, the EKSU student reportedly ingested the pesticide in an apparent attempt to end her life. Her friends and neighbors, upon discovering her condition, quickly raised an alarm and rushed her to the state hospital for urgent medical attention. Medical personnel are currently making efforts to stabilize her condition and save her life.
The EKSU incident bears a striking resemblance to the BOUESTI tragedy, with both cases involving the use of Sniper insecticide as the means of attempted or completed suicide. The similarity in circumstances has raised fresh concerns among parents, stakeholders, and mental health advocates about the increasing availability of lethal substances and the vulnerability of young people to impulsive decisions during emotional crises.
These two incidents, one fatal and one near-fatal have exposed a disturbing pattern of mental health struggles among students in Ekiti State tertiary institutions. The rapid succession of both events underscores the urgent need for improved counseling and support services on Nigerian campuses to help students cope with emotional and psychological challenges.
Experts have long warned that the absence of dedicated mental health facilities and trained counselors within many universities contributes to the rising cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide among students. In the case of Olamilekan Alabi, many are asking whether timely intervention could have saved his life, while prayers continue to pour in for the recovery of the EKSU student.
These tragedies also highlight the growing role of toxic relationships, social pressures, and academic stress as triggers for suicidal behavior. In both cases, emotional turmoil appears to have played a significant role, demonstrating the need for students to be equipped with healthier coping mechanisms and for universities to provide proactive mental health education.
Student unions, alumni groups, and mental health advocates have already begun calling for the creation of emergency helplines and accessible counseling centers in Ekiti State’s tertiary institutions. They argue that universities must go beyond offering academic training to fostering emotional resilience and well-being among students.
Parents and guardians, too, are being urged to take a more active role in the emotional lives of their children. The cases of Olamilekan and the unnamed EKSU student serve as grim reminders that young adults often struggle silently with feelings of inadequacy, heartbreak, and despair that can escalate into suicidal thoughts if left unaddressed.
While Olamilekan’s death has already become a rallying point for renewed mental health advocacy within BOUESTI, the EKSU student’s survival presents an opportunity for timely intervention and education. If managed properly, her case could help catalyze the establishment of better preventive measures to curb the growing suicide trend among students in the state.
Ultimately, the two incidents serve as sobering lessons for young people across Nigeria: no matter how overwhelming life’s challenges may seem, suicide is never a solution. Instead, open communication, professional counseling, and a supportive community can make all the difference. Both BOUESTI and EKSU now stand at a crucial juncture to lead by example by prioritizing mental health awareness and ensuring that no student ever feels alone in their struggles again.
