A United States university has confirmed the death of Nigerian student, Oreoluwa Odetunde, who was found deceased in her off-campus residence on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Odetunde was a first-year student pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the S.C. Johnson College of Business. The institution disclosed that she died at her residence located off campus.
An international student from Nigeria, Odetunde earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos in 2017 before proceeding to the United States for further studies.
During her time at Cornell, she was actively involved in several student organisations, including the Johnson African Business Society, the Black Graduate Business Association and the Old Ezra Finance Club. She was recognised for her academic excellence and leadership, serving as both a Forté Fellow and a Sage Scholar.
Odetunde also participated in research and strategy analysis projects at reputable firms such as Anchoria Asset Management and Greenwich Merchant Bank, reflecting her strong interest in finance and corporate strategy.
In a statement shared on LinkedIn, the Cornell Johnson Graduate School expressed deep sorrow over her passing.
“We are devastated for Oreoluwa’s family, friends, classmates and instructors and extend our deepest condolences in this difficult time,” the statement read.
The university organised a support meeting for members of the S.C. Johnson College community at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, in the MBA Student Lounge at Sage Hall 301. An additional community meeting is scheduled to hold at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, in the Edwards Room at Anabel Taylor Hall G14.
Further details surrounding the circumstances of her death were not immediately disclosed.
