An undergraduate student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile Ife, Osun State, identified as Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, has reportedly died in his sleep.

Mr Toromade, 18, of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University, died in the early hours of Tuesday.

The 300-Level student, with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, passed away after 2:00 a.m., according to his roommates who disclosed that the student opened the door for a fellow occupant around that time.

Confirming his death in a statement issued by the university’s spokesman, Abiodun Olarewaju, the Vice-Chancellor, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the incident as devastating and deeply distressing.

Mr Bamire said Mr Toromade’s sudden passing was received by the university community with profound shock, deep sorrow, and a heavy heart.

“The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

The VC, who comisrated with the family of the deceased, on behalf of the visitor, the university council, management, senate, staff, and students of the university, noted that the entire university community was united in grief over the untimely departure of Mr Toromade.

He described Mr Toromade as 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.”

Mr Bamire posited that the university management was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding what he described as the “unfortunate incident” in line with established medical procedures.

The statement added that the university was 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, we 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.

“As a community of faith, hope and learning, we commit the soul of our departed student into the hands of Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of life. We pray that the Lord, who comforts those who mourn, will grant his family and all of us the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him,” it added.