A 200-level Mass Communication student at the University of Ilorin has reportedly taken his own life at his residence in the Oke-Odo area of Tanke, Ilorin.
The Guardian learnt that the student, whose name was withheld, ingested a poisonous substance last week while his roommate was away attending lectures. A suicide note found at the scene indicated his inability to cope with the financial challenges brought on by the current economic hardship.
A friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We returned to find a suicide note where he explained his struggles and decision to take the substance.”
The deceased, who had a cumulative academic standing of 4.5, was reportedly sponsored by his widowed mother, a retired school teacher. Sources revealed that his father had passed away a few years ago, leaving the mother to shoulder the financial burden of his education.
A competent source at the university told The Guardian that the student could not meet his financial obligations despite assistance from colleagues who contributed towards his tuition and living expenses.
Meanwhile, another Mass Communication student from the same department narrowly escaped death on Monday evening when he attempted suicide on campus. Passers-by reportedly saw a rope around his neck in a nearby bush and quickly raised the alarm, leading to his rescue. The student was rushed to the institution’s medical centre for urgent attention. A senior university official who confirmed the incidents described them as shocking and lamented the plight of students grappling with economic hardship.
