A student of Yaba College of Technology simply identified as Destiny is currently receiving treatment in a hospital after she reportedly drank insecticide.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the 18-year-old student of the Marketing Department was allegedly caught for examination malpractice on Wednesday during the institution’s ongoing second-semester examination.
The student, who was also said to have just been dumped by her boyfriend, allegedly slipped into depression, went to her hostel and drank the insecticide.
It was learnt that one of her hostel mates who saw her attempting to drink the substance ran out and raised the alarm.
One of the students who craved anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident said, “She went to the examination hall and was apprehended by the school invigilator for examination malpractice.
“She was already nursing heartbreak because of her boyfriend who recently broke up with her, but the invigilator was just doing his work and never knew what happened to her.
“It was as a result that she fell into depression and later went to her hostel where she took the substance. Her condition would have been fatal if not for her friend who called the attention of people who rushed her to the school medical facility.”
A staff member of the institution who craved not to be mentioned as he was not permitted to speak on the matter said the student may have been worried about the disciplinary action to be taken against her for her misconduct.
He said, “None of the teaching staff in her department knew that she had any relationship issues. It was after the incident that we got to know through the staff WhatsApp platform. The fact that she was jilted by her boyfriend and now caught in the examination hall for malpractice seemed too much for her to bear.
“The invigilators here are strict and when some of the students are caught, they try to reach out to other lecturers to intervene on their behalf. Some are lucky and some are not. The penalties for exam malpractices are stated behind their dockets and this may likely cause her to repeat the session. ”
The spokesperson of the institution, Joe Ejiofor, confirmed that the student was depressed but said it was not connected to examination malpractice.
Ejiofor said, “She attempted to drink Sniper and her friend quickly notified her colleagues who took her to the medical centre where she was stabilised and is responding well to treatment. Her family members have been contacted and they are there with her at the military hospital.
“She did not commit the act because of examination malpractice. She has a domestic problem which made her run into depression. She even took a picture of herself while taking the substance.
“The Dean of Students has visited her and talked to her. The college counsellor also counselled her and let her realise that suicide is not an option.”
