….Says Varsity May Seek Redress Under Law For Any Reputational Damage
Babcock University, Illishan Remo, Ogun State has rebutted a mother’s online claims over mission son and has set the record straight over the incident.
The University in a statement signed by the Director of Communication and Public Relations, Dr. Joshua Suleiman on Monday, May 5, 2025 said the university wishes to set the record straight regarding the recent social media claims concerning a student, by name, Oladipupo Siwajuola, a one academic year JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) Programme Student who was reported to be missing.
The University through its spokesperson said contrary to public assertions, the student in question left the University campus unlawfully, without following established protocols or obtaining proper clearance from University authorities.
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“The student’s exit from the University campus was neither approved nor known to the University at the time. In an unfortunate turn, the student’s mother took to social media to sensationalize the situation, falsely accusing Babcock University and its students of negligence and complicity.
He continued: “These public allegations were not only misleading but deeply regrettable. She was doing this while the University, rather than joining the needless engagement on social media, was busy galvanizing efforts, urgently and assiduously, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), other security agencies, ever patriotic and dedicated Babcock student bodies and concerned citizens to ensure the safety and return of the student.
“First and foremost, we are pleased to inform the public that certain reliable sources suggest the student in question has returned from his hiding place to her mother’s care. Unverified reports also indicate that the Oladipupo Siwajuola emerged from his hiding place in Akute in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, a town very close to Lagos State where he previously attended secondary school.”
He however said Babcock University has not received any official confirmation or denial of this information from the NPF. “Furthermore, the student’s mother has not contacted the University to confirm the situation. The University currently awaits the outcome of the full scale investigation by the NPF authorities into the circumstances surrounding the student’s disappearance and re-emergence.
“Our findings show that on several occasions, the student’s roommates expressed concern to his mother via WhatsApp about his suspicious and unsettling behavior.
“It is however important to note that from the University’s records, Oladipupo exited the University’s campus without authorization and did not follow the approved procedures for leaving University premises,” he added.
For the above reasons, Oladipupo is going to appear before the Student Disciplinary Committee of the University, particularly to be given, as usual, the opportunity of fair hearing, to clear himself for the misconducts allegedly perpetrated by him. In the same vein, any other alleged person (student or employee) indicted in the ongoing investigation, will equally appear before the appropriate University committee.
“In light of the above facts and recent events, we strongly denounce the irresponsible and reckless use of social media by the Oladipupo’s mother to whip up sentiment, attract public sympathy, cast aspersions on the University’s reputation, and to incite public unrest—even while investigations were ongoing. Such action was not only premature and unjustified, but also grossly unfair to the University community, which was already working in collaboration with law enforcement agents to ascertain the whereabouts of her son.
“The insinuation that Babcock University was complicit in the student’s disappearance is not only false and defamatory, but also an unfortunate display of disregard for truth and due process. We caution the public to be wary of one-sided narratives circulated without verification or respect for institutional integrity.
“Over the years, the University’s experience has shown that despite assurances from parents and almost swearing to the “good” behaviors of their wards, like Oladipupo’s mother did severally on social media these past days, the character and conduct of certain students have consistently raised serious concerns. Despite the University’s sustained efforts to provide a stable, engaging, and morally supportive academic environment, some students have not demonstrated the values expected of them.
“Babcock University will continue to work with the NPF and appropriate authorities to understand the full facts of this incident,” he said.
Dr. Suleiman reiterated that Babcock University is a responsible, faith-based academic institution that takes the safety, security, and well-being of its students with the utmost seriousness. “Our protocols for student welfare, hall monitoring, and campus safety are firmly in place and are constantly reviewed to capture emerging trends and challenges as many members of the public who have transacted with the University are already aware.
“Meanwhile, we seize this opportunity to remind the public that Babcock University reserve the right to seek redress under the law for any reputational damage caused by malicious and unfounded statements made against the University and on this very matter, we may not be hesitant to so do in due course.
“We remain committed to nurturing responsible citizens and upholding our legacy as a citadel of excellence and character. We encourage parents and guardians to partner with us responsibly, respecting institutional processes rather than resorting to public misrepresentation and unfounded accusations.
“We take seriously the trust placed in us by parents and the wider public, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards of student welfare, character development, and institutional accountability,” he stated.
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