Babcock University has strongly condemned what it described as the “reckless and misleading” use of social media by the mother of a missing JUPEB student, Oladipupo Siwajuola, who was recently found after disappearing without official leave from campus.

In a statement issued by the Director of Communication and Public Relations, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, the university clarified that Siwajuola left the campus without authorization, in clear violation of institutional protocols.

The school expressed dismay over the mother’s public accusations of negligence and complicity, labeling them as “false and regrettable.”

“While the university was actively collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, security agencies, students, and members of the community to locate the student, the mother chose to circulate unverified and sensational claims on social media,” the statement noted.

Although preliminary reports suggest that the student reappeared in Akute, Ogun State, Babcock said it has not received official confirmation from law enforcement authorities. The student’s mother, the school added, also failed to inform university authorities about her son’s return.

The university also shed light on Siwajuola’s prior conduct, stating that he had exhibited troubling behavior, including gambling and possession of prohibited items. According to the university, Siwajuola sold his phone, deceived his mother about his whereabouts, and even threatened a roommate who reported his actions.

Supporting WhatsApp messages allegedly reveal that his mother discouraged other students from reporting him to the school.

Babcock insisted that despite the student’s return, appropriate disciplinary processes must be followed. Siwajuola, along with any students found to be complicit, will face the Student Disciplinary Committee.

The institution criticized the mother’s decision to publicize unfounded claims while search efforts were ongoing, arguing that her actions inflicted reputational damage. “The suggestion that Babcock University was complicit in the student’s disappearance is defamatory and deeply unfair,” the statement read, adding that the university may explore legal options if necessary.

Recall that Mrs. Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo, the mother of a student from Babcock University who was reported missing, made the announcement on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025, via a post on her Facebook timeline. “My son has been found,” she wrote, without providing any further details.