The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, Niger State, has been plunged into grief following the death of a 300-level Computer Science student, Kelvin Danlami, in a tragedy allegedly linked to gambling and financial misjudgement.
Danlami reportedly took his own life on Monday after mismanaging N150,000 entrusted to him for house rent. The incident, which occurred off-campus, has left students, lecturers and residents of the university community in shock, underscoring the hidden pressures confronting undergraduates amid harsh economic realities.
Although details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, multiple accounts within the campus suggest that the student became distressed after losing the rent money through gambling, a development believed to have overwhelmed him emotionally.
Reacting, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing it as a painful and irreparable blow to the institution. In a condolence statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Aliyu Abubakar, the union said the late student’s death had robbed the university of a promising mind.
“On behalf of the entire student community of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, friends, the Department of Computer Science and all students of the university over this great and painful loss,” the statement read.
The union prayed for divine strength and comfort for the bereaved family, while urging students to seek help when faced with financial or emotional challenges rather than suffer in silence.
Beyond the mourning, the incident has stirred renewed debate within the university on the growing influence of gambling among students and its attendant risks. Concerned voices within the campus are calling for stronger sensitisation, counselling services and institutional support to address addiction, mental health struggles and financial stress.
