A 300-level medical student of the University of Ibadan (UI) has reportedly died after consuming an insecticide on Sunday night, officials at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, confirmed.
According to sources, the student was found on the ground floor of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall by a fellow resident, appearing disoriented and foaming at the mouth.
He reportedly admitted to ingesting Sniper, a popular insecticide, before losing consciousness.
His roommates immediately informed hall authorities, who called the Students’ Union bus service to take him to Jaja Clinic.
He received initial treatment, including oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids, before being moved to UCH’s emergency unit and placed on life support.
Funmi Adetuyibi, UCH’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the death, saying, “The student was brought in after consuming Sniper.
The hospital acted promptly, but unfortunately, he did not survive.”
The deceased’s parents, who live in Akure, Ondo State, were contacted prior to his death. While they raised concerns about possible poisoning, his roommates said he had admitted to taking the insecticide and noted that he had recently withdrawn from social and academic activities and had been avoiding calls from his family.
The incident has heightened attention on the growing influence of suicide-themed content on social media.
The advocacy group Suicide Is No Solution Initiative condemned skits promoting self-harm, warning that such content could negatively affect vulnerable individuals.
Project Coordinator Toye Arulogun said, “Suicide is a serious public health issue and should never be trivialised for entertainment. Recent online content glorifying self-harm undermines ongoing campaigns aimed at preventing suicide.”
