Babcock University confirms student in viral hostel incident is alive

The management of Babcock University, Ogun State, has confirmed that a student involved in an incident at one of its hostels is alive and receiving medical treatment at the institution’s teaching hospital.

The university also dismissed reports claiming that the unidentified student had died, describing them as inaccurate.

In a statement signed by its Associate Vice-President for Communication, Media and Branding, Johnson Akintayo, the institution said the student and his roommate sustained injuries during the incident.

A video circulating on social media on Monday showed the student attempting to jump through a hostel window while his roommates struggled to restrain him.

Following the incident, reports emerged claiming that the student had died.

However, the university said the student was responding to treatment.

“Contrary to reports suggesting that the student may have died, we wish to assure the public that he is responding positively to treatment and is receiving the necessary medical care,” Akintayo said.

He credited the student’s roommates with intervening promptly and preventing what could have resulted in a more serious incident.

“The incident was brought under control by the commendable and prompt intervention of the student’s roommates, whose timely action prevented what could have been a more tragic outcome,” he said.

The university added that the student and the roommate who sustained injuries while attempting to rescue him were immediately taken to hospital. The roommate has since been treated and discharged.

Akintayo disclosed that the student’s parents had been contacted and were at the university to support him during his treatment.

The institution also said it had begun an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any factors that may have contributed to it.

“This process will help us understand what happened, identify any factors that may have contributed to the situation, and determine appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence,” the statement said.

The university urged the public and media organisations to avoid spreading unverified reports or speculating about the causes of the incident while investigations remained ongoing.

It added that, beyond providing medical care, it was committed to supporting the student’s recovery and ensuring that appropriate guidance and other necessary assistance were made available.