By Adedoyin Oguntade

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria has confirmed the death of an 18-year-old 300-level student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Timilehin Toromade, disclosing that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of his death.

Mr Toromade with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, was found dead in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 January, according to a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju.

The university described the incident as shocking and devastating.

Found in Fajuyi Hall

The deceased was a resident of Room 109, Annex C, Adekunle Fajuyi hall of residence, one of the university’s undergraduate hostels.

The hall supervisor, Adefisoye Abraham, said the incident was reported by the deceased’s roommate in the early hours of Tuesday.

Mr Abraham said the deceased had earlier discussed a football match between Nigeria and Mozambique with his roommate the previous night..

According to him, Mr Toromade opened the door for a roommate around 3:00 a.m. after an overnight study session and was last seen around 4:00 a.m., using his mobile phone. “He reportedly fell asleep afterwards and did not wake up,” the supervisor said.

It was gathered that efforts by the Dean of Students’ Affairs and the university’s Health Centre to revive the deceased were unsuccessful.

Subsequently, his parents were contacted, and he was taken away in an ambulance. Police and other relevant officials were called to investigate the situation.

Mr Abraham further noted that the deceased’s parents were subsequently informed, and his body was conveyed in an ambulance while the police and other relevant authorities were also notified.

The body has since been taken to the university’s Department of Anatomy for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of his death, while the room has been sealed pending the outcome of investigations.

Vice-chancellor condoles family

The Vice-Chancellor, Simeon Bamire, a professor, expressed condolences to the family, friends 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,” Mr Bamire said.

University assures investigation, support

The university management said it is working closely with relevant authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Mr Toromade’s death.

It added that arrangements are being made to provide support for students and members of the university community who have been emotionally affected by the tragic loss.

The management urged the university community to remain calm, prayerful and compassionate as investigations continue.