Nigeria: Medical student dies – university suspects suicide

The medical school management plans to conduct an autopsy after a meeting with the deceased’s family on Monday.

Management of the University of Lagos Faculty of Medicine (CMUL) has confirmed the death of a 300-level student identified as Williams.

The college’s provost, David Oke, a professor, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday evening that the cause of death was still unknown, but he suspected it could be linked to suicide, potentially triggered by depression or pressure of upcoming examinations.

Mr Oke described the incident as shocking and said the management of the institution was deeply concerned. He added that an autopsy would be conducted on the body after a meeting scheduled with the deceased’s family on Monday.

“At this point we cannot say for sure what the cause of death was, but we suspect it could be suicide, but no definitive conclusion has been reached yet.

“They are supposed to start exams tomorrow (Monday), and some of his colleagues mentioned that he had posted a cryptic message, like ‘goodbye’, which they did not interpret as a warning signal at the time,” he said.

Students in mourning

A screenshot of a message on a WhatsApp group of the Association of Medical Students of the University of Lagos (AMSUL), also confirmed the death of the student.

The message reads: “Dear AMSULites, It is with great sadness that we share the news of the recent passing of a beloved AMSULite from the Genezens class

“As we navigate this difficult time, we encourage everyone to keep the deceased and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Please reach out to your classmates and friends, especially those in the Genezens class, and offer them your support.

“Let us stand together, show compassion and take care of each other during this difficult time.”