Babcock University vs. Parent: A Clash Over Missing Student Allegations
Tensions flared this week as Babcock University in Ogun State clashed with a parent over claims that her son vanished from campus under mysterious circumstances. The dispute, now swirling on social media, has escalated into threats of legal action and heated debates about accountability.
The Viral Plea: A Mother’s Desperate Search
It began with an emotional Facebook Live video by Mrs. Fijabi Omotayo, a distraught mother pleading for help to find her son, Oladipupo Siwajuola. According to her, Oladipupo—a student in the university’s JUPEB program—disappeared after she dropped him off on April 27. “Babcock University should help me find my son,” she cried, alleging the school downplayed her concerns. Her posts quickly went viral, with many questioning the institution’s safety protocols.
Babcock’s Response: “Unlawful Departure” and Defamation Warnings
In a sharp rebuttal, Babcock University denied negligence, calling the accusations “sensational and misleading.” According to their official statement, Oladipupo left campus without official clearance, violating school exit protocols. The university further revealed he was later found in Akute, a town near Lagos where he previously attended secondary school.
The institution didn’t stop there. It accused Mrs. Fijabi of obstructing their investigation by allegedly urging her son’s roommates not to report his absence. WhatsApp chats were cited as evidence. Dr. Joshua Suleiman, the school’s communications director, warned of potential defamation lawsuits, stating, “We reserve the right to seek legal redress for reputational harm.”
Strange Details Emerge: Herbal Soaps and Suspicious Behavior
Adding intrigue to the case, Babcock disclosed that Oladipupo’s roommates had flagged his “unusual habits,” including using local sponge and black soap—items his mother claimed treated skin issues. The university, however, insinuated these might mask rule-breaking: “This could’ve been a cover for misconduct,” the statement read, referencing strict policies against “fetish items” on campus.
Resolution and Fallout: Where Do Both Sides Stand Now?
Though Mrs. Fijabi confirmed her son’s recovery in a follow-up post, details remain sparse. Meanwhile, Babcock has escalated the matter to police and its Student Disciplinary Committee, promising Oladipupo a “fair hearing.” The school also urged parents to “partner responsibly” instead of resorting to “public misrepresentation.”
Lessons in Communication and Accountability
This incident highlights the fragile trust between institutions and families. While Babcock defends its protocols, the mother’s viral outcry underscores the desperation parents feel when communication breaks down. As investigations continue, the case raises critical questions: How should schools handle sensitive student issues? When does a parent’s plea cross into defamation?
Final Thoughts
The Babcock controversy is more than a missing student saga—it’s a clash of narratives in the digital age. With legal threats looming and social media amplifying voices, the outcome could set precedents for how educational institutions manage crises and public perception. Stay tuned as this story evolves.
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