Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has strongly refuted claims that a student, Oladipupo Siwajuola, went missing on its campus, describing the allegations made by his mother, Mrs. Fijabi Omotayo, as “sensational, misleading, and defamatory.”
In a statement signed by the university’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, the institution condemned Mrs. Fijabi’s social media outbursts, accusing her of unjustly damaging its reputation.
The student, enrolled in the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme, reportedly exited the school premises without official clearance. According to the university, he was later found in Akute, Ogun State — far from the campus — raising questions about the validity of the missing person report.
“Contrary to public assertions, the student left the university campus unlawfully,” the statement read. “The student’s actions violated our standard exit protocols.”
The university said prior concerns had been raised by the student’s roommates about his behaviour, including his use of “local sponge and black soap,” which allegedly created discomfort. Mrs. Fijabi reportedly explained that these were for treating skin conditions, but Babcock authorities say such items fall under its policy prohibiting “fetish or suspicious substances.”
Babcock also accused Mrs. Fijabi of obstructing internal investigations, allegedly discouraging other students from reporting her son’s disappearance. It claimed to have chat evidence backing this allegation and confirmed that the case had been reported to the police.
“The student and others involved will face the Student Disciplinary Committee for a fair hearing,” the university said.
While reaffirming its commitment to student welfare and institutional integrity, Babcock warned that it may seek legal redress for reputational damage.
“We may not hesitate to pursue defamation charges should such unverified and malicious statements continue,” the statement concluded.
Mrs. Fijabi had earlier taken to Facebook in tears, claiming her son had been missing since April 27 and accusing the university of shielding information. She later confirmed in a follow-up post that her son had been found but gave no further details.
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