Rashidat Shittu, a fourth-year student at Kwara State University, Malete, allegedly took her own life, reportedly under academic pressure as she faced imminent exams. The tragic incident involved her ingesting insecticide, leading to her being rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Colleagues disclosed that Shittu had shared her struggles with academic challenges during this tumultuous period. The initial attempt to seek medical attention occurred at the school clinic before she was referred to the teaching hospital.
The distressing news was confirmed by a staff member at UITH, who mentioned that the student was brought in already deceased. The university community mourned her loss during the Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer, at the Muslim cemetery, Osere, Ilorin, where she was laid to rest. Family members, along with KWASU’s student affairs unit, paid their last respects.
Despite the tragic incident, KWASU’s Director of University Relations, Dr. Saeedat Aliyu, expressed unawareness of the student’s death when contacted. In a text message, she stated, “I am not yet aware of the information on the death of any of our students. But I will find out and get back to you as soon as those who should give the information confirm it.”
The incident has prompted reflection within the university community on the challenges students face and the pressing need for enhanced mental health support within academic institutions.
