The Great Ife Students’ Union, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday announced the death of a 400-level medical student, Adewole Oreoluwa Emmanuel, at the College of Health Sciences. 

In a statement by the President and Secretary General, Adelani David and Habeeb Isa, respectively, the students’ union described the incident as “sudden, devastating” and a reminder of “the fleeting nature of life.”

“We write to you with heavy hearts and profound sorrow following the sudden and devastating loss of a bright 400-Level medical student, Adewole Oreoluwa Emmanuel,” the union said.

The union said the student “slumped just as he was about to commence his oral medical examination” and was “heartbreakingly confirmed dead hours later.”

“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,” the students’ body said.

The union extended its heartfelt condolence to family, friends, peers and the victim’s classmates, wishing all the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

The union noted that the incident confirmed “the immense physical, emotional, and psychological toll that rigorous academic demands can take on students.”

The students’ union leadership urged  students to prioritise their health and well-being during their academic journey.

Contacted for comment on the incident, the university’s spokesperson, ABiodun Olanrewaju, described the incident as “a sad story.”

He, however, declined to speak further until the institution’s College of Health management resolves to issue a public statement.