Missing OAU Student, Dorcas Oseghale, Sparks Search and Police Investigation

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has raised alarm over the disappearance of Dorcas Oseghale, a 300-level Chemistry student, who has been missing since the evening of August 6, 2025.

Dorcas, matriculation number CHM/2021/165, was last seen around 8:00 p.m. when she left her residence at Adesanmi House, Ibadan Road, to buy food near the student village along Ede Road. Her roommate, Akinkuade Omobolanle Beatrice, became worried when Dorcas did not return, and attempts to reach her on both phone lines were unsuccessful.

By 3:00 p.m. the following day, reports of her disappearance circulated on student social media platforms, prompting the university’s security unit to begin monitoring the situation. At 6:10 p.m. on August 7, a group of Chemistry students, accompanied by Dorcas’ roommate from the Department of Agricultural Extension, formally reported her disappearance to the university’s security unit.

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Given the complexity of the case and limitations in personnel and resources, the university assigned three security officers to lead the students and escalate the case to the Nigerian Police for further investigation. The OAU Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, praised the students for their prompt and vigilant response and called on the police and other security agencies to intensify their efforts in locating Dorcas.

The university has appealed to anyone with information about Dorcas Oseghale’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or the university’s security office to aid in the search.

This incident has drawn considerable attention within the university community and beyond, highlighting concerns about student safety and the importance of rapid coordination between university authorities and law enforcement agencies in urgent situations. The search continues as all parties hope for a swift and positive resolution.