Tears as OAU Medical Student Dies in His Sleep

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the death of an 18-year-old medical student, Timilehin Adetoye Toromade.

Toromade, a Part Three 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. His sudden passing has thrown the university community into mourning.

In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the deceased, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, was said to have been alive after 2:00 a.m., as one of his roommates reportedly stated that Toromade opened the door for him at that time. He was later found unresponsive.

Reacting to the tragic incident, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, classmates, and colleagues 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 said.

Professor Bamire described the incident as deeply painful, noting that the university community is united in grief over the untimely death of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the hope of serving humanity. He added that Toromade’s passing has left a profound void among his peers and all who knew him.

The university further disclosed that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and institutional procedures.

According to the statement, appropriate support mechanisms have also been put in place to assist students and members of the university community who may be emotionally affected by the loss.

The management urged students, staff, alumni, and friends of the institution to remain calm, compassionate, and prayerful, while upholding the values of empathy and solidarity for which Obafemi Awolowo University is known.