Missing student saga: Oladipupo left school without permission- Babcock University

Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has threatened legal action against a parent, Mrs. Fijabi Omotayo, who alleged that her son, Oladipupo Siwajuola, went missing on campus.

In a statement issued on Monday by the institution’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, the university described the social media claims as “sensational and misleading,” asserting that the student left the campus without following proper exit protocols.

The school said the public statements had unjustly damaged its reputation, and said it was considering a defamation suit against Mrs. Fijabi, whose online posts it claimed misrepresented facts and painted the university in a negative light.

According to Babcock, Oladipupo, a student of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme, exited the campus without clearance.

Unconfirmed reports later placed him in Akute, Ifo LGA of Ogun State, near Lagos, where he had attended secondary school.

The university also revealed that his roommates had earlier expressed concern about his “suspicious behaviour,” including the use of a local sponge and black soap, which they said created discomfort in the room.

His mother reportedly explained that the items were meant to treat skin conditions, but the university claimed this conflicted with its strict policies on “fetish or suspicious substances.”

Babcock further accused Mrs. Fijabi of undermining campus monitoring efforts, alleging that she urged her son’s roommates not to report his absence — a claim the school says is supported by WhatsApp chat evidence.

The university confirmed it has referred the case to the police for further investigation, and Siwajuola, along with any other students involved, will face the Student Disciplinary Committee to ensure due process.

Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and student welfare, Babcock stated:

“We reserve the right to seek legal redress for reputational harm caused by false and defamatory remarks. Any future attempts to malign the university will be met with appropriate action.”

The controversy erupted after Mrs. Fijabi went live on Facebook in tears on Saturday, claiming her son had been missing since April 27 and accusing the university of negligence. While she later confirmed on Sunday that her son had been found, she offered no further details.