The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the death of a Part Three medical student of the institution, Timilehin Toromade.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, the institution said the deceased, an 18-year-old student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, was believed to have died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
According to the statement, Toromade, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, was last seen alive after 2 a.m. when one of his roommates reportedly opened the door for another medical student residing in the same building. The university said the circumstances suggest that the student passed away quietly in his sleep thereafter.
“The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received with profound shock, deep sorrow and a heavy heart the devastating news of the sudden passing of an eighteen-year-old Part Three student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery – who reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of today,” the statement read.
Reacting to the incident, the Vice-Chancellor, Simeon Bamire, described the loss as deeply painful and distressing, noting that the entire university community was united in grief over the untimely death.
“The entire University community is united in grief over the untimely departure of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the hope of, one day, healing others and serving humanity. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him,” Bamire said.
He added that the death of a young life “filled with promise, purpose, and potential” was a tragedy beyond words.
The management further assured the public that it was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and investigative procedures.
It also disclosed that appropriate support mechanisms were being put in place to assist students and members of the university community who may have been emotionally affected by the tragic loss.
“At this moment of collective mourning, the University calls on students, staff, alumni, and friends of the institution to remain calm, compassionate and prayerful, and to uphold the values of empathy and solidarity for which the Great Ife is renowned,” the statement added.