OAU student dies in Ile-Ife apartment as police begin investigation

A final-year student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has died after an emergency was reported at an apartment in the Damico Area of Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife.

University authorities said the Nigeria Police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the student’s death, following the incident on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution received information about the emergency at about 1:30 p.m.

The university’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team was immediately dispatched to the location, after which it contacted the police.

Officers from the ‘A’ Division, Moore, Ile-Ife, subsequently joined the university security personnel at the scene.

The student, whose identity was not disclosed in the statement, was later taken to the University Health Centre, where a medical doctor certified him dead.

Management said relevant information and items recovered from the scene had been handed over to the police to assist their investigation.

“The University is deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the death,” the statement said, adding that the police had commenced an investigation into the incident.

OAU also said it had informed the appropriate student affairs authorities to undertake necessary follow-up, particularly regarding the welfare and support of students affected by the tragedy.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire expressed condolences to the deceased student’s family, friends, classmates and colleagues.

He also expressed concern about the possible emotional impact of the incident on members of the university community.

Management urged students and other members of the university community to remain calm while the investigation continues, warning against the circulation of unverified information and speculation about the circumstances of the death.

The university also encouraged students facing severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, financial pressures or other personal challenges to seek help from trusted persons and appropriate university support structures.

Bamire reaffirmed the university management’s commitment to the welfare of students and staff, stressing that students should not feel compelled to face overwhelming difficulties alone.

Management said further information would be released through official channels where necessary and appropriate as authorities continue to handle the matter.