15-Year-Old JSS 2 Student Survives Poisoning Attempt Over Exam Failure Fears
A tragic incident was narrowly averted at Okunowo Street in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos, after a 15-year-old student, Aisha Kelani (not real names), survived a harrowing suicide attempt brought on by severe academic anxiety.
Aisha, a Junior Secondary School (JSS 2) student at Ikosi Junior High School, Ketu, ingested chemical rat poison inside her residence during the morning hours while her guardian was away.
The incident unfolded when her uncle, Mr Olanrewaju Sulaimon—a local fashion designer who manages a tailoring business from his living room—returned home from running errands. Upon opening the door, he found Aisha groaning in severe pain on the floor.
Sighting an empty packet of rat poison that he had kept in a corner of the room, Mr Sulaimon immediately realized what had happened. He administered an emergency local remedy to help neutralize the toxin before rushing her to a hospital close to where her biological mother resides.
Following her stabilization, Mr Sulaimon questioned Aisha regarding her motives. The young student confessed that she was deeply overwhelmed by her poor academic performance during the first and second terms. She revealed a profound fear of being forced to repeat the academic year, having previously faced a similar setback.
Her uncle also disclosed that prior to the incident, Aisha had repeatedly expressed a desire to return to living with her biological mother.
Medical authorities have confirmed that Aisha is now in stable condition. Following her discharge, she has been integrated back into the care of her biological mother. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Aisha has already reunited with her classmates and is currently sitting for her third-term promotional examinations.
Community Support Notice: Academic anxiety and depression are real challenges for young students. If you or anyone you know in the Kosofe community is struggling with mental health, please contact the Lagos State Mental Health Hotlines or the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Initiative at 09080217555 or 08062106407 for free, confidential counsel.