OAU Community in Tension Over Missing 300-Level Student

Tension is mounting at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, following the disappearance of a 300-level Chemistry student, Dorcas Oseghale, who was last seen on Wednesday night.

The Great Ife Students’ Union confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, jointly signed by its president, Adelani David, and general secretary, Habeeb Oke. The union described the situation as deeply concerning, revealing that it is working closely with university management, security agencies, and other stakeholders to locate the missing student.

“We can confidently tell you that this matter is being treated very seriously as we are working in concert with the university authorities, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe location of our missing colleague as quickly as possible,” the statement read.

Union leaders, alongside Dorcas’ mother and friends, reportedly visited the Ife Police Area Command on Friday to receive updates on the investigation. While no further details have been released about her disappearance, the union has urged students to remain vigilant, move in groups, and offer any information that could assist in the search.

The National Association of University Students (NAUS), Campus Monitoring Committee, Osun, also issued a separate statement on Saturday describing the incident as “troubling” and noting that it had caused “understandable distress within the Great Ife community.”

NAUS chairman, Adeleke Samson, called for heightened security consciousness among students, advising them to avoid walking alone—particularly at night—and to remain alert to their surroundings. “The safety and security of every student remains our utmost priority, and collective vigilance is essential,” he said.

Efforts to reach the Osun State Police spokesperson, Abiodun Zechariah, and OAU’s public relations officer, Biodun Olanrewaju, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Dorcas’ disappearance has stirred worry among her peers and the wider university community, with many calling for swift action to ensure her safe return.