Tragedy struck in a dramatic manner at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Tuesday as an 18-year-old part-three medical student died in her sleep.
The incident became more puzzling as the deceased, identified as Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, was still actively alive by 2am of the day.
The university management, which has confirmed the passage, noted that Toromade was a student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery.
According to a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, Timilehin with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, di£d in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
According to the statement, the “university received the news of the student’s passing with shock and deep sorrow”.
It also described the incident as devastating to the academic community.
“Preliminary information suggested that the student might have died shortly after 2 a.m., as one of his roommates reportedly said the deceased opened the door for another student around that time,” the statement reads.
“The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff and students.”
The VC, Professor Bamire, described the incident as a painful loss, saying, “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”
He added that the university community was united in grief over the passing of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the aim of serving humanity.
According to him, the de@th had left a void among the student’s peers and all those who knew him within the university community.
The university management stated that it was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and administrative procedures.
It also disclosed that appropriate support measures were being put in place to assist students and members of the university community who may have been emotionally affected by the loss.
The management called on students, staff, alumni and friends of the institution to remain calm and compassionate, while extending sympathy to the family of the deceased.
