The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been plunged into mourning following the sudden and tragic death of a 300-level medical student. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, casting a pall over the institution.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to an official statement released by the university's management, the deceased student has been identified as Timilehin Toromade, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133. The university's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the devastating news.
Preliminary details indicate that the tragic event unfolded after 2 am on Tuesday, January 6. It was reported that one of Toromade's roommates opened their door for another medical student who was also an occupant of the same room. It is believed that Toromade passed away in his sleep around this time. The exact cause of death is yet to be officially determined, and the circumstances are under review.
University Leadership and Community React
In response to the heartbreaking loss, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Simeon Bamire, extended his heartfelt condolences. He expressed profound sympathy to the family of the deceased, his classmates, colleagues, and friends within the university community.
The management of OAU has officially lamented the passing of the young scholar, emphasizing the profound impact of such a loss on the tight-knit academic environment. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief from students and faculty across the campus, highlighting the fragility of life.
A Tragic Echo: Remembering the UNIJOS Students
This tragedy at OAU comes barely a month after a separate, fatal incident claimed the lives of eight students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS). That devastating road accident occurred on Thursday, December 11, 2025, opposite Unity Bank on Zaria Road in Jos, Plateau State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) provided details on the UNIJOS crash. FRSC Public Education Officer, Peter Longsan, stated that the accident involved a trailer and a bus carrying the students. Seven individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, with an eighth victim succumbing to injuries later in the hospital, bringing the total fatalities to eight. All eleven people on board the bus were male students of UNIJOS.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that the bus was speeding and engaged in wrongful overtaking, leading to a loss of control and the subsequent collision. Following the accident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Plateau State, Olajide Mogaji, issued a stern warning to motorists. He urged them to avoid night trips, excessive speed, dangerous driving, and operating vehicles while fatigued or unwell, citing these as major causes of fatal road crashes.
The back-to-back tragedies involving students from two prominent Nigerian universities have raised concerns and sparked conversations about student safety and well-being on and off campus.
