Tragedy in Owo: Heartbreak Claims Life of Final-Year Student in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic

In a shocking and heartbreaking incident that has left the entire community of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic reeling in grief, a 28-year-old final-year student has tragically taken his own life, allegedly over the emotional trauma of a failed romantic relationship. The devastating occurrence, which unfolded in the early hours of Monday, has sparked widespread sorrow and soul-searching among students, staff, and the wider community.

The young man, whose identity is being respectfully withheld at the request of his grieving family, was said to be in the Department of Public Administration and was just months away from completing his Higher National Diploma (HND) program. Friends and classmates describe him as intelligent, quiet, and deeply committed to his studies—a person who rarely caused trouble and often kept to himself.

Sources within the campus revealed that the student had been battling emotional turmoil for weeks following the abrupt end of a long-term relationship with a fellow student. The breakup, according to close acquaintances, seemed to have deeply affected him in ways that no one around could fully comprehend. Although he tried to mask his feelings in public, insiders say he had privately confided in a few friends that he was struggling to move on and often spoke of feeling “worthless” and “invisible.”

On the day of the incident, it was reported that the student had gone unusually quiet, even by his own reserved standards. He did not attend any lectures, and when some of his coursemates reached out to check on him, his phone went unanswered. It wasn’t until later that evening that his lifeless body was discovered in his rented apartment near the school campus. He had reportedly left behind a handwritten note expressing his pain and regret, apologizing to his parents, and stating that he could no longer bear the emotional weight he was carrying.

Campus security and the Ondo State Police Command were quickly alerted. Authorities arrived at the scene and commenced investigations while the body was taken to the mortuary pending further examination. While initial findings point to suicide, law enforcement officials have stated that they are treating the case with utmost seriousness and sensitivity, and they will continue to explore all possible angles to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic released a brief statement on Tuesday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their students. “We are devastated by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased. The Polytechnic is committed to providing psychological support to students and will continue to promote mental health awareness within the school community,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked an emotional outcry across social media platforms, with students and alumni sharing heartfelt tributes, personal encounters, and passionate calls for better mental health support in Nigerian tertiary institutions. “It’s painful that someone this close to graduation felt like they had no one to turn to. We need proper counseling units, and we need to be more aware of what our friends are going through,” one student wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another classmate, speaking anonymously, said, “He was such a good guy, so respectful and focused. I can’t believe he’s gone. We used to talk about plans after school—NYSC, jobs, even traveling abroad. I wish he had opened up more.”

The tragedy has ignited discussions on the often-overlooked mental health challenges facing Nigerian youth, especially those in higher education. Academic stress, financial pressure, relationship woes, and uncertain job prospects are common burdens students carry, often with little to no institutional support. While suicide remains a taboo topic in many parts of the country, the growing number of similar cases in recent years has made it impossible to ignore the urgent need for mental health interventions.

Mental health experts are calling for an immediate and systemic overhaul of the way emotional well-being is addressed in tertiary institutions. “We can no longer afford to treat mental health as an afterthought,” said Dr. Adebayo Oyelami, a clinical psychologist based in Akure. “There needs to be a structured, well-funded counseling system in every polytechnic and university, one that is not just there in name but is active, engaging, and responsive.”

Students are also demanding change. On Tuesday morning, a small candlelight procession was held by fellow students in front of the administrative building. Many wore black and carried placards with inscriptions like “Mental Health Matters,” “You Are Not Alone,” and “Speak Before It’s Too Late.” The emotional gathering was filled with tears, prayers, and appeals to the school authority to take proactive steps toward student mental wellness.

Family members of the deceased have been inconsolable since the tragic news broke. His mother, in a heartbreaking wail at the mortuary, reportedly cried out, “Why didn’t you tell me, my son? Why didn’t you say something?” It was a cry that echoed the sentiments of many who wished they had seen the signs or offered a word of comfort when it mattered most.

While the Polytechnic has promised to cooperate with authorities and support students during this difficult time, the incident has left a permanent scar on the hearts of many. A brilliant life full of potential, dreams, and aspirations has been tragically cut short—not by sickness, not by an accident, but by the silent, deadly force of emotional pain that too often goes unnoticed.

In the coming days, the institution is expected to hold a memorial service in honor of the student, and conversations around student well-being are likely to gain more momentum. However, the central question remains: how many more young lives must be lost before society wakes up to the reality of mental health?

For now, the halls of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic echo with the absence of one of their own—a painful reminder that beneath the surface of our daily lives, people carry burdens that words cannot always express.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to mental health professionals or contact local helplines. You are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible.