Africa
No Grade is Worth a Grave -By Paulson Okwumabua
This tragedy forces us to pause and confront a truth we often overlook — that while grades may shape opportunities, they should never determine the worth of a human life. It is from this painful reality that my message, No Grade is Worth a Grave, finds its voice.
One examination result. One young life gone. The Obafemi Awolowo University Dental Students’ Association (IFUDSA) has been thrown into mourning following the tragic loss of one of its members from the College of Health Sciences (Dentistry), who reportedly took his own life shortly after the release of examination results.
In an official statement dated 13th August 2025, the association’s president, Adebayo Idris, described the incident as both the painful departure of a promising young mind and a stark reminder of the silent battles many students face. The statement extended heartfelt condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him, while reaffirming IFUDSA’s commitment to improving mental health support and student welfare.
This tragedy forces us to pause and confront a truth we often overlook — that while grades may shape opportunities, they should never determine the worth of a human life. It is from this painful reality that my message, No Grade is Worth a Grave, finds its voice.
We lost him.
A friend.
A son.
A dreamer.
They say it happened after the results came out.
A number on a sheet…
And a young life was gone.
But here’s the truth we must carry from this loss:
Life is more than a grade.
Your value is not a GPA.
Your worth is not tied to a percentage.
Your identity is not locked inside an exam result.
Grades are important, yes.
Grades can open doors — yes.
But they are not the only keys in life.
Kindness, resilience, creativity, and faith will take you to places no exam can measure.
Grades can show where you stand in a class,
But they can’t show where you stand in life.
They can’t tell how far you’ll go,
Or the mountains you’ll climb.
We lost someone who didn’t need to go this soon.
And it should stir us, because no exam,
No paper, no red ink on a script,
Should be able to convince anyone that life is no longer worth living.
Schools should teach more than passing grades,
They should teach courage, not just accolades.
How to rise when the world says no,
How to mend, to heal, to grow.
To face the pain of “try again,”
To value process over when.
To see that failure’s silent sting
Can teach you more than winning’s ring.
So let’s remember him,
Not just with flowers,
Not just with tears,
But with a promise:
That no one else will leave us because of a result.
That we will speak life over each other.
That we will remind our friends, Our classmates,
Ourselves — That a bad grade is a moment,
Not a life sentence.
Remember, failure is not the end.
It’s neither a setback nor a drawback to hold you down,
But feedback to fuel your comeback,
Even as you bounce back stronger.
Some win in class, others win in life — and a few excel in both.
Just make sure you’re winning somewhere.
But if you fail in both class and life, that’s a serious low point.
Even then… with God, there’s still hope.
Your dreams are bigger than a test.
Your gifts are greater than an exam.
The world needs your voice, your ideas, your heart —
Not your transcript.
And when your time here is done,
No one will stand at your grave and recite your GPA.
They will speak of the lives you touched,
The hope you gave, the love you left behind.
So yes — work hard.
Yes — strive for excellence.
But never forget… You are more than a grade.
And no result is worth your life.
When the weight of failure and depression feels too heavy,
Remember — you don’t have to carry it alone.
For ‘Two are better than one.’
So let someone lift you when you fall.
Let a friend remind you of your worth when you forget.
Let a parent wrap hope around you like a blanket.
Let a sibling stand with you and for you,
For a brother is born for times of adversity.
Let your lovers love without condition.
Let their words rebuild your courage,
And their smile and affection remind you you’re still enough.
Let their love be proof that you are still worth showing up for tomorrow.
Let a counselor hand you the tools,
To rebuild your thoughts,
Because failing an exam,
Is not the same as failing in life.
Let a mentor show you the road,
When you can’t see past the fog,
Because there are paths beyond this moment.
Let a faith leader,
Pray strength into your weary spirit,
Because your life is worth more than a grade.
Let the people who care about you —
Family, friends, partners, mentors, leaders,
Pull you back when the darkness calls your name.
Surround yourself with these voices.
Let them be your safety net,
When you feel like you’re sinking into the unknown.
Let them remind you, in every way possible,
That no Grade is worth a Grave.
You can reach me on my X (formerly Twitter) handle: @love_paulson,
or by email: okwumabua1234@gmail.com.
