How Medical Student Died While Sleeping Inside Hostel —OAU

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has announced the death of a third-year medical student, Timilehin Toromade, in a statement released on Tuesday.

The university’s management said Toromade, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, was believed to have died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to the statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, one of his roommates reportedly opened the door for another medical student occupying the same building around 2 a.m., suggesting that Toromade possibly died after that time.

“The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received with profound shock, deep sorrow and a heavy heart the devastating news of the sudden passing of an eighteen-year-old Part Three student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery — who reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 6th of January, 2026,” the statement read.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, condoled with the family of the late student, his classmates, colleagues, and friends, describing the incident as “deeply painful and distressing”.

“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 has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him,” Bamire said.

The management assured the public that it was working closely with relevant authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and was putting in place support measures for affected students and staff.

The university called on students, staff, alumni, and friends to remain calm, compassionate, and prayerful, and to uphold the values of empathy and solidarity.