By Desire Emmanuel
An 18-year-old medical student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, died in his sleep in one of the halls of residence in the institution.
The student, Timileyin Adetoye Toromade, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, and a Part Three student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, died suddenly in his sleep at Fajuyi Hall of residence around 2:00 a.m.
The authorities of the university announced the sad incident in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, saying Timileyin might have died around 2:00 a.m. because one of his roommates said that he opened the door for one of them shortly before he gave up the ghost.
The statement reads: “The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of the university, expresses 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 notes 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 has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him.
“The university management assures the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, in line with established medical procedures.”
The university’s PRO said that the institution is also 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, and to uphold the values of empathy and solidarity for which the Great Ife is renowned,” the statement added.
