The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State has described the death of Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, an 18-year-old Medical Student of the institution, as shocking and sorrowful.
The death of the Toromade, a Part Three student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, was announced in a release by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Tuesday.
The deceased 18-year-old male medical student was reported to have died in his sleep in the early hours of today, 6 January, 2026.
As stated in the release, the student, with Matriculation Number CLI/2022/133, “might have died after two in the morning because one of his room mates said that he opened the door for one of them at that time.”
The OAU Management further stated that it received the devastating news of the sad incident with “profound shock, deep sorrow and heavy heart.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of OAU, expresses heartfelt and unreserved condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, colleagues, and friends of the deceased.
“The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture,” the vice chancellor stated in the release.
Professor Bamire described the death of the medical student as deeply painful and distressing, noting that the entire university community was united in grief over the untimely departure of the student.
“Here was 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,” he added.
The OAU Management however assured the public that it was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident, in line with established medical procedures.
The PRO added that the institution was also putting in place appropriate support measures to assist students and members of the university community who have been emotionally affected by this 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.
“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.
“We pray that the Lord, who comforts those who mourn, will grant his family and all of us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him,” it was added in the release.
