Re: “Law Student Ayomiposi Ojajuni Kills Self Over Failure To Write Final Exam”
By Sylvester Udemezue
A news report is currently circulating online concerning a Nigerian Law School student, Mr. Ayomiposi Ojajuni, who sadly passed away after an incident reportedly linked to his being prevented from participating in the Bar Final Examinations at the Yola Campus. I have received several messages and tags simply because the matter concerns the Nigerian Law School. It is well.
One message posted by a lawyer on social media reads: “@Sylvester Udemezue, this is very disturbing. Can we have clarification or explanation to this?”
Below is my personal response:
At this moment, the full and verified facts of the matter have not been officially confirmed. I am not presently at the Yola Campus, and I have not received any authoritative information from those directly involved. Before forming any conclusive personal position, I must hear from people who were physically present and have first-hand knowledge of what transpired.
For this reason, I respectfully urge the public, the media, and all stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid premature judgments.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian Law School community. The loss of any young person is deeply painful. Moments like this call for sobriety, empathy, and collective reflection.
On Media Handling of the Story
The manner in which some media platforms have handled this report raises important professional concerns. At the very least:
- Journalists are expected to verify sensitive information before publication; and
- The Nigerian Law School should be contacted and given an opportunity to respond, in line with established ethical standards of fair hearing and balanced reporting.
Failure to take these basic steps gives the impression of a hurried and insufficiently investigated story. Publishing an unverified account (especially on a matter involving an academic institution and a tragic outcome) renders the report unbalanced and professionally questionable. That said, let us assess the published narrative objectively.
Summary of the Published Report
According to Sahara Reporters and other outlets, the student was allegedly prevented from writing the Bar Final Examinations due to disciplinary issues arising from earlier queries. The reports further suggest that he became emotionally distressed after being informed of the decision, drank some harmful substance and was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he passed away the following day.
Questions Arising
To properly evaluate the incident, several questions must be addressed:
- Were queries actually issued to the student, as alleged?
- If yes, was he given a fair hearing and an opportunity to respond?
- What specific conduct warranted the issuance of the queries?
- Was he indeed barred from writing the examinations that commenced yesterday?
- If he was barred, was the sanction consistent with the Nigerian Law School’s Code of Conduct (latest edition) issued to students earlier this year?
- Was the decision communicated clearly, formally, and in a timely manner?
- Were adequate support measures available or offered to the student during the process or crisis period? Final Observations
While I personally deeply sympathize with the parents, relatives, and friends of the student (and with the entire Nigerian Law School community over this heartbreaking incident) it remains essential that a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation be conducted. Only verified facts should guide public opinion or institutional accountability.
Meanwhile, it’s my submission that every educational institution has an inherent duty and authority to enforce discipline, provided such powers are exercised objectively, fairly and in accordance with established rules and legal procedures. What is most important now is truth, clarity, fairness, and sensitivity.
I once again pray for divine comfort for the family and all those affected. I also urge everyone to remain calm and patient until official and verified information is released.
May the soul of our brother rest in perfect peace. Amen 🙏
Sylvester Udemezue (Udems)
08021365545.
[email protected].
(07 December 2025)
The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.
