Babcock University, located in Ogun State, has responded to the recent media attention surrounding the disappearance of Oladipupo Siwajuola, a one-year Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) student, stating that the student left the campus without proper clearance, violating the institution’s protocols.
On May 3, 2025, Fijabi Oyindamola, the mother of the missing student, raised alarm over her son’s disappearance in a viral video posted on social media. However, the university’s official statement, issued on Monday, has refuted claims made by the mother, suggesting that the institution was unaware of Oladipupo’s exit from the campus.
In the statement titled “Mother’s Online Sensational Outbursts over ‘Missing Son’: Babcock Sets the Record Straight,” Babcock University clarified that Oladipupo’s departure was neither approved nor known to the school at the time. The statement also addressed the mother’s claims, accusing her of sensationalizing the situation and making misleading allegations against the university.
According to the university, efforts were immediately mobilized to ensure the student’s safety upon learning of his disappearance. This included collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), other security agencies, and concerned citizens, rather than engaging in social media discussions. Babcock University emphasized that at the time of the statement, the student’s mother had not yet informed them of his return.
The statement further revealed that reports suggest Oladipupo was found and returned to his mother’s care in Akute, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, a town near Lagos, though this information had not been officially confirmed by the NPF. The university stressed that it was still awaiting updates from the police regarding the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and return.
Babcock University also noted that Oladipupo’s behavior prior to his disappearance had raised significant concerns. His roommates had reported suspicious actions, including the use of items deemed unusual by university standards, such as a “local sponge and black soap,” which were allegedly for treating skin conditions. Additionally, his roommates informed his mother of his gambling issues, debts, and misconduct. The university revealed that Oladipupo had even threatened a roommate, Tobi Famuyiwa, after the roommate reported his actions to his mother.
As a result of these ongoing concerns, the university stated that Oladipupo would face the Student Disciplinary Committee to address the allegations against him. The university also confirmed that any other individuals involved in the situation, whether students or staff, would be held accountable through the appropriate disciplinary channels.
The statement from the university recounted events leading up to Oladipupo’s disappearance, including the troubling signs of misconduct observed by his mother. After returning him to Babcock University on April 28, following his Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam, his mother noticed changes in his behavior, including conflicting stories about his phone’s whereabouts, which had been sold. He continued communication with his mother through a friend’s device, and even shared his banking details to repay his debts.
Despite these signs of misconduct, the university revealed that Oladipupo’s mother had initially asked the roommates not to report her son’s behavior, hindering proper reporting procedures. However, after a confrontation with a roommate, Oladipupo left the dormitory on April 30, carrying a hoodie and backpack.
The university’s security team interrogated Lampard Sowemimo, a friend of Oladipupo, on May 3, following the discovery of unusual transactions in the student’s bank account. Babcock University assured that all necessary actions were being taken to resolve the situation and ensure that justice was served.
The case continues to unfold, with further updates expected as investigations proceed.
