In response to a recent suicide attempt by a student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, the management of the institution has considered a compassionate policy change to assist students struggling with carryover courses.
An internal memo exclusively obtained and sighted by BREAKINGNG on Tuesday, dated October 17, 2024, from the university’s Senate Division, revealed that a special Committee of Deans meeting was convened to address the incident and formulate potential support measures.
The memo, signed by the Deputy Registrar M.S. Oluwajoba, outlined the committee’s recommendations following a detailed report of the student’s attempted suicide.
The student, whose name was not stated, was revealed in the memo to be a second-year (Part II) undergraduate who had transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education, reportedly attempted suicide on October 16.
The tragic incident, which shook the university community, prompted the faculty and administration to reassess how they handle academic difficulties, especially in cases linked to mental health struggles.
During the October 16 meeting, the Committee of Deans deliberated on appropriate responses to such situations and explored measures to help prevent similar incidents.
The minutes of the meeting, shared in the memo, emphasised that the university would prioritise student support and take a compassionate approach when feasible.
One of the key recommendations was the introduction of a waiver for carryover students with minor academic challenges.
The memo states, “Members of staff should continue as usual to offer support to our students. Any student who has only one or two courses to pass to graduate, having attempted those courses in the previous semesters, should be considered to graduate on compassionate grounds provided such assistance SHALL NOT change the candidate’s class of degree.
“The decision to assist such students shall be approved by the Departmental Board of Examiners and or the Faculty Board of Examiners. On no account should individual staff decide on such matters.
“Staff and Part Advisers should kindly cooperate in this regard.”
The Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, has not responded to further inquiries about the incident and memo.
He asked to be given time “to revert accordingly.”
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