I’ve Used Money I saved for My Son’s University Education to Bury Her
The tragic story of Timilehin Opesusi, the 19-year-old who took her own life after scoring 146 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has taken a devastating turn.
In an emotional interview, her father, Femi Opesusi, has revealed that he was forced to use the money he had saved for her university education to bury her.
Timilehin’s death on May 12, 2025, sent shockwaves across the nation, with many calling for a reform of the Nigerian education system.
Her father, still grappling with the loss of his daughter, recounted the events leading up to her tragic demise.
According to Mr. Opesusi, Timilehin had been looking forward to gaining admission into the university, but her dreams were shattered when she received her UTME score.
The low score, he said, was a devastating blow to her, and she became withdrawn and depressed.
In a heartbreaking revelation, Mr. Opesusi stated that he had saved up money for Timilehin’s university education, but unfortunately, he had to use it to cover the costs of her funeral.
The pain and regret in his voice were palpable as he spoke about the what-ifs and the unanswered questions that still haunt him.
The Opesusi family’s tragedy has sparked a national conversation about the pressures and stresses of the Nigerian education system.
Many have called for a more holistic approach to education, one that prioritizes the well-being and mental health of students over the intense competition and high stakes of exams like the UTME.
As the nation mourns the loss of Timilehin, her father’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of a system that can be unforgiving and cruel.
The Opesusi family’s pain will undoubtedly take a long time to heal, but their story may yet become a catalyst for change in the Nigerian education system.
The incident has also raised questions about the support systems in place for students who struggle with the pressures of exams and the transition to higher education.
As the country struggles to come to terms with the loss of a young life, one thing is clear: something needs to change to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
