…Grief, Fear, Uncertainty Grip Students, Educators
By Sunday Ameh
In recent weeks, a disturbing pattern of tragic events has unfolded across various academic institutions in Ondo State, leaving students, staff and stakeholders in shock and deep concern.
The series of incidents, ranging from suicide to homicide, highlight growing threats to mental health, security and communal harmony within the state’s higher institutions.
The tragic sequence reportedly began with a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo, who allegedly took his own life following a breakup with his girlfriend.
Sources within the institution described the young man as emotionally devastated over the sudden end of the relationship. The incident has reignited conversations around the importance of mental health awareness and emotional support for young people, particularly students grappling with academic pressure and personal crises.
In a separate but equally horrifying development, two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), were allegedly murdered by their landlord.
According to reports, the landlord took violent action against the students, who were residing in his house, simply because they did not show him the level of respect he demanded.
The gruesome killing has not only shaken the university community but also sparked outrage across the state, with many calling for justice and the enforcement of stricter regulations for student housing and landlord-student relations.
Adding to the growing list of tragedies, the Registrar of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, was recently murdered under circumstances that remain unclear.
The motive behind the killing has yet to be established, but investigations are ongoing. The loss of such a high-ranking official has further deepened the sense of insecurity and fear among university staff and students alike.
These incidents, though separate, point to a broader crisis affecting academic environments in Ondo State. The prevalence of violence, emotional instability, and inadequate support systems suggests an urgent need for intervention from government agencies, university authorities, mental health professionals, and community leaders.
Education stakeholders are now calling on the Ondo State Government, the Ministry of Education, security agencies, and university governing councils to take proactive steps in addressing these concerns.
There is a pressing need for improved campus security, accessible counseling services, and greater awareness campaigns on conflict resolution and mental health support.
Furthermore, students and staff are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and seek help whenever they experience emotional distress or threats to their safety. The academic community must come together to foster an environment where learning can thrive without fear, violence, or emotional breakdowns.
These recent tragedies serve as a wake-up call to all, that beyond academic excellence, the safety, mental well-being, and dignity of every individual within the university ecosystem must be prioritized.
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