Obafemi Awolowo University Mourns the Passing of an 18-Year-Old Part Three Medical Student

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has received with profound shock, deep sorrow, and a heavy heart the devastating news of the sudden passing of an 18-year-old Part Three student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery.
The student, Timilehin Adetoye Toromade (Matriculation Number: CLI/2022/133), reportedly passed away in his sleep in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
A statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, indicated that the student might have passed on shortly after 2:00 a.m., as one of his roommates reportedly stated that the deceased opened the door for another roommate around that time.
The Vice-Chancellor, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of the University, has expressed heartfelt and unreserved condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, colleagues, and friends of the deceased.
According to the Vice-Chancellor:
“The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”
Describing the incident as deeply painful and distressing, Professor Bamire noted that the entire University community is united in grief over the untimely departure of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the hope of one day healing others and serving humanity. His passing, he said, has left a profound void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him.
The University Management has assured the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, in line with established medical and administrative procedures.
The Public Relations Officer further stated that the University is 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, while upholding the values of empathy and solidarity for which Great Ife is renowned.
As a community of faith, hope, and learning, the University commits the soul of the departed student into the hands of Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of life, and prays that the Lord will grant his family, loved ones, and the entire University community the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.