A 300-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, has been found hanging from a ceiling fan in his room, in what is suspected to be a suicide.
Kelvin Danlami was discovered on Monday morning by a neighbour who raised the alarm. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., the Niger State Police Command confirmed.
According to the police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, the student was rushed to Lapai General Hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
“On January 19, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., information received indicated that in the early hours of the day, one Kelvin Danlami, a student of IBB University, Lapai, was found to have hanged himself in his room with a cloth tied to a ceiling fan,” Abiodun said.
He added that police operatives from the Lapai Division visited the scene, conducted a preliminary investigation, and contacted the family of the deceased.
Further investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
University Seeks Transparent Investigation
In a statement posted on the institution’s official Facebook page, the university’s Deputy Registrar, Information, Baba Akote, said the institution was not involved in any financial arrangement between the deceased student and his landlord.
The university also warned against the spread of unverified information, which it said could further traumatise the family, friends and the academic community.
“The University wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of, and was not a party to, any financial or rental transaction between the deceased student and the landlord in question,” the statement read.
While calling for restraint and respect for the family’s privacy, the institution reiterated that it was cooperating with the police for a transparent investigation.
A Tragic Reminder of Mental Health Challenges
For many students, university life is a time of hope, dreams, and new beginnings. But for others, it can be a period of overwhelming pressure—academic, financial, social and emotional.
While the motive behind Kelvin Danlami’s death is yet to be confirmed, the incident highlights a growing concern for student welfare and mental health support on campuses.
The university urged students to prioritise their academic goals and maintain discipline, but experts say institutions must also ensure support systems are in place to help students cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Police Command had not released any further details.
—PUNCH
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