By CJ Obende Deborah
A recent incident involving a graduate of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State, has shed light on the distressing consequences of withheld academic results. Precious Ogbeide, who graduated in 2018, made headlines on Monday, September 25, 2023, after a desperate act driven by his prolonged struggle to obtain his academic records.
Precious allegedly resorted to self-harm, using broken glass, while grappling with depression caused by the unavailability of his results.
According to a report by Punch, Precious is not the only one affected by this issue. Numerous students from the same university have voiced their frustration over the protracted delay in receiving their degree results, despite dedicating five years to their education.
These aggrieved students contend that the university repeatedly assured them that the backlog of results would be resolved and that those yet to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme would be facilitated.
However, an anonymous source, who was familiar with the incident, recounted, “I received a call around 3:30 pm on Monday, notifying me that Ogbeide had been rushed to the hospital. He had been displaying signs of depression, and efforts had been made to assist him in every possible way.”
“The mother informed me that he suddenly grabbed a bottle and smashed it on the floor. Initially considered an accident, he subsequently began injuring himself with the broken glass,” the source continued.
“Only with the intervention of a relative present at the time was he subdued, and he was promptly rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.”
Expressing his frustration, Ogbeide stated, “I couldn’t bear it anymore. After five years of education, I couldn’t face my family without any academic proof or result to show for it.”
“Securing employment became impossible as I was consistently asked for my certificate. Whenever I approached potential employers, they insisted on seeing my results, leaving me in a state of uncertainty and deep frustration,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mike Aladenika, the university’s Head of Corporate Communications and Protocol, addressed the situation by suggesting that students encountering issues with certificates and results may have faced challenges with specific courses during their academic journey.
Aladenika mentioned, “If students graduated and fulfilled all academic requirements during their studies, they should not encounter issues with their results.”
“Some students who failed to address deficiencies in their courses are now facing these challenges.”
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