A 400-level student of Kwara State University, Malete, identified as Rashidat Shittu, has allegedly taken her own life, reportedly due to academic pressures.
The young woman’s tragic demise occurred as she faced imminent exams, with her colleagues revealing that she ingested insecticide in a desperate act.
Shittu was rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, but sadly, she was pronounced dead on arrival. The distressing news was confirmed by a staff member who was part of the medical team at UITH, stating that the student was brought in already deceased.
Colleagues of the late student shared that she had been grappling with academic challenges, and it was during this tumultuous period that she confided in them about ingesting the harmful substance. The initial attempt to seek medical attention took her to the school clinic before being referred to the teaching hospital.
The tragedy unfolded with her Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer, at the Muslim cemetery, Osere, Ilorin, where Rashidat Shittu was laid to rest. Family members, along with employees from the student affairs unit of KWASU, paid their last respects during the emotional ceremony.
Despite the shocking 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 tragic loss of Rashidat Shittu has left the university community in sorrow, prompting reflection on the challenges students face and the need for enhanced mental health support within academic institutions.
