The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the death of a Part Three medical student, Timilehin Toromade.
In a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, and made available in Osogbo, the institution disclosed that the student was believed to have passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to the statement, Toromade, whose matriculation number is CLI/2022/133, was suspected to have died shortly after 2 a.m. One of his roommates reportedly opened the door for another medical student living in the same building around that time, suggesting the incident occurred thereafter.
The statement read in part:
“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, Tuesday, 6th of January, 2026.”
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, as well as his classmates, friends and colleagues.
Describing the loss as “deeply painful and distressing,” Bamire said the entire university community was united in grief over the untimely death of a student who had committed himself to the demanding path of medical training with the aspiration of serving humanity.
He noted that the death of a young individual full of promise and potential was a tragedy beyond words, adding that it had created a significant void among those who knew him.
The university management stated that it was collaborating with relevant authorities to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with standard medical and investigative procedures.
It also assured that necessary support systems were being put in place to help students and staff members who may have been emotionally affected by the loss.
The management further appealed to students, staff, alumni and the wider university community to remain calm, compassionate and prayerful, while upholding the spirit of empathy and unity for which the institution is known.
