Poly Student Takes His Life after Gambling Loss

In a deeply unfortunate incident at the Federal Polytechnic in Ilaro, Ogun State, a student named Samuel Adegoke has reportedly committed suicide. The young man took such a drastic step after losing not only his own tuition fee but also that of his friend to gambling.

Samuel, a second-year National Diploma student of Electrical Electronic Engineering, ended his life on Monday, May 2. It is a day that will forever haunt his fellow students, as they were preparing for their first semester exams.

According to reports, Samuel had used his school fees to engage in online betting on Friday, May 19, only to experience a devastating loss. Overwhelmed by his financial situation and the realization that he and his friend would be unable to write their exams due to unpaid fees, he resorted to consuming a chemical substance believed to be sniper.

Upon discovering his condition, Samuel was immediately rushed to the school clinic, where the severity of the situation became apparent. Consequently, he was referred to a specialist hospital in Ilaro, located outside the school premises. Tragically, all efforts to save him proved futile, and he was pronounced dead.

Sola Abiala, the polytechnic spokesman, confirmed the heartbreaking incident on Wednesday, May 24. He shared that the Rector received a call from the school clinic regarding a sick student, later identified as Adegoke Samuel, an ND 2 student in Electrical Electronic Engineering. The spokesman revealed that Samuel had used both his own and his roommate's fees for gambling, resulting in devastating losses.

At the Federal Polytechnic in Ilaro, there is a strict policy that prevents students who have not paid their fees from writing their examinations. Realizing the consequences of his actions and the impending academic setback, Samuel saw no way out other than to take his own life. The polytechnic authorities promptly contacted Samuel's parents to inform them of the tragic incident. Samuel's father expressed profound regret, stating that his son had resorted to a similar course of action during the previous academic session. He revealed that he had sent money to Samuel to settle the outstanding fees on that occasion, and he lamented that he was unaware of the current situation, as he would have gladly intervened.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of gambling and the immense pressure that students can face when dealing with academic responsibilities and financial difficulties. It is a tragedy that has shaken the entire campus community, prompting a collective reflection on the importance of mental health support and financial literacy among students. The hope is that Samuel's passing will spur a renewed commitment to providing resources and guidance to students in need, ensuring that no one else faces such a dire and devastating outcome.