Babcock University has discarded claims made by the mother of Oladipupo Siwajuola, a Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) student declared missing, saying the student left campus without permission and now faces disciplinary action over serious misconduct.
In a statement issued on Monday, by the institution’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, the university described the mother’s social media claims as “sensational, misleading, and unfair,” accusing her of distorting facts and hindering formal investigations.
ValidViewNetwork had earlier reported that the son was missing and also reported the terse message of the mother that he had been found.
The mother had on her social media handled accused the institution of negligence for her child missing.
Reacting to the development,the university disclosed that Oladipupo left the school premises on April 28, 2025, without official clearance—a breach of campus protocols.
Dr. Suleiman in the statement said while the mother accused the school of negligence in handling her son’s disappearance, Babcock had been working with the Nigeria Police Force, security agencies, student bodies, and volunteers to locate the student.
“Rather than joining the bandwagon of unverified social media frenzy, the university was galvanizing efforts to ensure the safety and return of the student,” the statement read.
The statement said unconfirmed reports indicate that the student has reappeared in Akute, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, and is believed to be back with his mother.
However, no official notification has been made to the university or the police.
Babcock revealed that Oladipupo will appear before the Student Disciplinary Committee over allegations of gambling, indebtedness, and threats against a fellow student, Tobi Famuyiwa.
He is also accused of exiting campus without permission and exhibiting erratic behaviour.
The statement added that Oladipupo’s roommates had raised concerns about his behaviour, including the use of fetish-looking items such as local black soap and sponge—materials which violate university policy.
The university said the mother was informed of these concerns but allegedly discouraged the students from reporting her son, fearing disciplinary consequences.
Further investigations by the school revealed that the student sold his phone, lied to his mother about its status, and granted banking access to an off-campus contact, Lampard Sowemimo, who allegedly facilitated his communication during the period he was missing.
While affirming its commitment to student welfare, the university maintained that students must take responsibility for their own safety and actions.
“Universities are not insurers of student safety,” the school stated, adding that it operates a strict zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and will not hesitate to impose disciplinary measures where necessary.
The university also condemned what it described as an attempt to weaponize public sentiment and social media against its reputation.
“Our integrity, built over decades, should not be undermined by emotional outbursts or misinformation. Babcock reserves the right to seek legal redress against reputational damage,” it stated.
The institution, which serves over 13,000 resident students, urged parents and guardians to support institutional processes rather than stoke sensational narratives online.
Thank God that he had returned safely. I was so surprised because I know the strictness in that school.It really caused panic in other parents. It is important to always obey the rules and regulations.