Following the death of Joshua Lawson, 20, a final-year student studying computer science, who tragically committed suicide after being suspended for a year for alleged exam cheating, shock and grief have engulfed Babcock University and the larger academic community.
Lawson, a 400-level student who was only a few weeks away from his planned July 27 graduation, reportedly committed suicide on Wednesday at his Lagos family home.
The event happened soon after he was told that the university’s administration had taken disciplinary action against him.
On social media, friends, students, and sympathizers have expressed their grief and indignation over the heartbreaking news, lamenting his passing and raising doubts about how harsh the university’s disciplinary procedures are.
Confirming the incident, Babcock University’s Director of Communication and Marketing, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, told PUNCH in a phone interview on Friday that Lawson had been found guilty of examination misconduct by the institution’s disciplinary committee.
“He was a 400-level Computer Science student. He appeared before the disciplinary committee and was found guilty of examination malpractice, resulting in a one-year academic suspension,” Suleiman stated. “He had not collected his suspension letter, but somehow may have learned about the outcome. We are deeply saddened to hear of his death.”
The university’s confirmation has done little to calm the wave of emotion online. Many students described Lawson as intelligent and promising, expressing dismay that a young life was cut short so close to graduation.
“How does someone work for four years, get to the final month, and then have everything stripped away?” one student posted on X. “This is more than just punishment—it’s a complete erasure of someone’s dream, someone’s future.”
Another post read, “Babcock must review its approach. People make mistakes, but they shouldn’t have to pay with their lives.”
Amid mounting criticism, Dr. Suleiman reiterated that the university adheres strictly to established rules and procedures. However, he acknowledged the tragedy and extended condolences to Lawson’s family.
“The university is deeply pained by this loss. We wish it had never happened. Our thoughts are with his loved ones,” he said. “But as with any institution, we have policies and guidelines that all students and staff are aware of. When rules are broken, there are consequences.”
Lawson’s death comes at a time when mental health awareness in Nigerian universities is gaining renewed attention, with advocates calling for more compassionate disciplinary practices and stronger emotional support systems for students under pressure.
His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to balance justice with empathy in educational institutions—and of the silent struggles many students endure behind the scenes.
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