𝟰𝟬𝟬-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗢𝗔𝗨 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝘃𝗮

By George OPARA

Tragedy has struck at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as a 400-level student of the College of Health Sciences, Adewole Emmanuel, slumped and died during viva.

The incident came barely four months after an 18-year-old Part Three medical student of the same institution, Timilehin Toromade, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Spear News learnt the incident occurred on Wednesday moments before the deceased oral examination session began.

In a statement by the Great Ife Students’ Union on Thursday, jointly signed by the Public Relations Officer, Olowosile Oreoluwa; Adelani Olowotodimu; and the Secretary General, Habeeb Oke Isa, the union described the death as a “devastating loss.

The statement read, “Yesterday, our community was thrown into deep mourning by a deeply shocking incident as one of ours tragically slumped just as he was about to commence his oral medical examination.

“Despite medical efforts following the collapse, he was heartbreakingly confirmed dead hours later. This unexpected and unimaginable event has shaken our campus to its very core, reminding us once again of the fleeting nature of life.

“We specifically commiserate with the Medical Students’ Association and the entire 400-level medical and dental class. To lose a peer, a friend, and a future colleague at such a crucial point in your medical journey is an unbelievably heavy burden, and we share in your profound grief.

“However, it is important to state that this heartbreaking incident brings to the forefront the immense physical, emotional, and psychological toll that rigorous academic demands can take on students.

But it is key to state that this heartbreaking incident brings to the forefront the immense physical, emotional, and psychological toll that rigorous academic demands can take on students.

“The pressure to succeed is heavy, but we must remember that our health and well-being come first.”

Earlier, the Ife University Medical Students’ Association, in a statement dated Wednesday, also confirmed his death.

The statement read, “Under the cover of dark clouds, we write to you with the heaviest of hearts to inform you of the passing of one of our own, an integral part of the association and a solid pillar of his class.

“The late Adewole Oreoluwa Emmanuel was a colleague, friend, roommate, and a familiar face amongst us. A Part IV medical student with an undeniably bright future until the time of his passing.

“This incident is not only sad but painfully devastating, as we lost a rising star and a loving member of the FUMSA family.

“While we mourn, we pray that the Almighty gives his parents, siblings, family, friends, and all whom he has touched the unyielding fortitude to bear the loss.

“In honouring his dearest memories, we kindly ask the general public to refrain from speculations and respect the privacy of the family during this vulnerable period.

“May the light that Oreoluwa carried continue to shine till eternity. We will forever cherish his memories and never forget his impact on the lives he touched.”

Meanwhile, speculation over the incident continues to grow as an X user known as @to37867_toyyib, alleged that the ambulance brought to rescue the deceased arrived without a stretcher or oxygen.

“We just lost another medical student. Adewole Oreoluwa Emmanuel, a Part IV medical student of OAU, collapsed during his viva and didn’t survive.

“He wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. He wanted to save hearts. But when his own heart needed help, the system couldn’t save him.

“This is not just one sad story. It is a mirror showing how little we value the lives of those training to save ours.

“How do you explain an ambulance arriving without oxygen or a stretcher? How do you explain a college with no working defibrillator? How do you expect young doctors to keep pushing when basic life support is missing?

“To IFUMSA, OAU, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria: This cannot be another forgotten case. Something must change.

“Oreoluwa deserved better. His dreams deserved better. Rest on, legend!” he wrote.

In a statement on Thursday, the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the institution had started to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the bereaved family, to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The statement read, “The management of Obafemi Awolowo University deeply regrets to announce the sudden passing of one of its medical students, Oreoluwa Emmanuel Adewole, a Part IV student in the College of Health Sciences.

“The unfortunate incident occurred during a clinical viva examination when the student reportedly complained of chest pain.

“He was immediately attended to by his lecturers and fellow medical students present. Despite prompt medical attention and all efforts made to revive him, he sadly passed on.

“This tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the university community.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, staff, and students of the university, extends heartfelt condolences to the parents, siblings, and the entire family of the deceased. He also commiserates with his friends, colleagues, and members of the College of Health Sciences over this painful and irreparable loss.

“The university management is currently engaging relevant authorities and the family to provide necessary support and to further understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.”

Meanwhile, the colleagues of the deceased have continued to mourn the Part IV student.

@realdoctorlee wrote, “I met Emmanuel when I was seeking admission, and he was such a brilliant champ. It’s so sad to hear about his loss. Condolences to his family, friends and the whole IFUMSA at large.

“May God keep helping us as we go through this medical school sojourn.”