Shock in OAU Community as 18-Year-Old Medical Student Dies While Sleeping

Shock in OAU Community as 18-Year-Old Medical Student Dies While Sleeping
The institution said it received the news with shock and deep sorrow
OAU also disclosed that support measures are being put in place to assist students and staff

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has confirmed the death of an 18-year-old part-three medical student, Timilehin Adetoye Toromade.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Timilehin, a student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

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In a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution said it received the news with shock and deep sorrow, describing the incident as a devastating loss to the academic community.

Preliminary information indicated that the deceased may have passed away shortly after 2:00 a.m., as a roommate reportedly said Timilehin had opened the door for another student around that time before returning to sleep.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff and students. He described the death as a painful and tragic loss, noting that the young student had shown promise, purpose and commitment to the demanding path of medical training.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the passing of Timilehin has left a deep void among his peers and within the wider university community.

The university said it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death, in line with established medical and administrative procedures.

Shock in OAU Community as 18-Year-Old Medical Student Dies While Sleeping

OAU also disclosed that support measures are being put in place to assist students and staff who may be emotionally affected by the incident, while urging members of the university community to remain calm and compassionate.

The management extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.