A final-year Babcock University student has died after a one-year suspension for alleged exam malpractice, sparking outrage and calls for reform.
A final-year Computer Science student at Babcock University, Joshua Lawson, has died by suicide after being suspended for one academic session over alleged examination malpractice.
The 20-year-old reportedly took his life at his family home in Lagos on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, shortly after receiving notice of his suspension, which would prevent him from graduating with his class on July 27.
Babcock’s Director of Communication, Joshua Suleiman, confirmed Lawson was found guilty by a disciplinary panel. “He was given an opportunity for a fair hearing according to the university’s rules,” Suleiman said, distancing the school from the off-campus incident.
However, fellow students and Nigerians have accused the institution of unjust treatment and poor handling of his appeal. A widely circulated social media post claims the school ignored Lawson’s appeal emails and dismissed his pleas during a face-to-face meeting.
The incident has reignited debate over student mental health and the impact of strict academic penalties in Nigerian universities.