The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced the death of an 18-year-old Part Three medical student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, who reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
In a press release issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, the deceased was identified as Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133. According to the statement, preliminary accounts from one of his roommates suggest that the student may have passed away sometime after 2:00 a.m., after he reportedly opened the door for a fellow occupant of the room.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic loss. He conveyed heartfelt and unreserved condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, colleagues, and friends of the deceased.
Describing the incident as deeply painful and distressing, Professor Bamire noted that the entire OAU community is united in grief over the untimely death of a young student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the aspiration of serving humanity.
“The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The University management assured the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and investigative procedures.
Mr Olarewaju added that the University is also putting in place appropriate support measures to assist students and members of the University community who have been emotionally affected by the loss.
He called 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 Obafemi Awolowo University is renowned.
“As a community of faith, hope, and learning, we commit the soul of our departed student into the hands of Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of life,” the statement read, while praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family and the University community.
The University concluded by praying for the repose of the student’s soul, expressing hope that “his gentle soul will rest in perfect peace, and that light perpetual will shine upon him.”
