Babcock Final-Year Student Dies By Suicide After Suspension Over Exam Malpractice

Joshua Lawson, a 20-year-old final-year Computer Science student at Babcock University, has tragically died by suicide following a one-year suspension over allegations of examination malpractice.

Lawson, who was just weeks away from his graduation ceremony scheduled for July 27, reportedly took his life on Wednesday at his family home in Lagos, days after learning of the university’s disciplinary decision.

The incident has sparked outrage and grief across social media, with students and sympathizers flooding timelines with emotional tributes and criticism of Babcock University’s disciplinary policies.

Confirming the incident to PUNCH in a phone interview on Friday, the university’s Director of Communication and Marketing, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, said Lawson had been found guilty of examination misconduct by the institution’s disciplinary committee.

“Yes, the school is aware of the tragic incident,” Suleiman said. “He was a 400-level Computer Science student. He appeared before the disciplinary committee, was found guilty of exam malpractice, and was given a one-year academic suspension.

“He had not collected his suspension letter, but perhaps he had already heard the outcome. We’re not sure what happened afterward—we only got the news that he had taken his own life.”

The university’s statement has intensified reactions online, with many accusing the institution of lacking compassion in how it handles student infractions.

One grieving student wrote, “How can someone be so close to the finish line, just a month away from convocation, only to have it all ripped away because of an exam misconduct case? Two years’ suspension? An entire semester cancelled? That’s not just punishment — that’s destruction. A dream. A life. Gone.”

Another user added, “If this school doesn’t rethink some of its draconian policies, this won’t be the last tragedy. Why must everything be handled so harshly?”

In response to the growing backlash, Dr. Suleiman emphasized that while the university deeply regrets the loss of life, it stands by its disciplinary processes.

“The university is never happy when anyone dies — we wish this never happened and we commiserate with the family,” he said. “But like every institution, we have rules. These rules are clearly communicated, and when violated, there are consequences.”

He added, “It is unfortunate, and again, we are deeply saddened by this loss.”

Joshua Lawson’s death has reignited urgent conversations around student mental health, institutional discipline, and the growing pressure on Nigerian students to meet academic expectations, often at a tremendous emotional cost.