A 400-level medical student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Adewole Emmanuel, has died after collapsing on campus.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, has thrown the university community into mourning. Emmanuel, a Part IV student in the College of Health Sciences, was said to have slumped moments before the commencement of his oral examination.
According to a statement by the Great Ife Students’ Union issued on Thursday, the student was rushed for medical attention after the collapse but was later confirmed dead. The union described the incident as a devastating loss to the institution.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The union also extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, particularly members of the Medical Students’ Association and the 400-level medical and dental class, noting that the loss at such a critical stage of training was deeply painful.
The Ife University Medical Students’ Association had earlier confirmed the death in a statement on Wednesday, describing Emmanuel as a dedicated student with a promising future. The association urged the public to refrain from speculation and respect the family’s privacy.
The development comes about four months after another medical student of the institution, Timilehin Toromade, reportedly died in his sleep in January.
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the incident, with some raising concerns over emergency response systems within the institution. A social media user alleged that the ambulance deployed lacked basic medical equipment, including oxygen and a stretcher, though the claim has not been officially verified.
Reacting, the university management, in a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the student reportedly complained of chest pain during a clinical viva examination before collapsing.
He said the student was immediately attended to by lecturers and fellow medical students, but died despite efforts to revive him.
“The unfortunate incident occurred during a clinical viva examination when the student reportedly complained of chest pain. He was promptly attended to, but all efforts to save him proved unsuccessful,” the statement said.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the university community, extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured that the institution was engaging relevant stakeholders to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The death has continued to spark grief among students and alumni, with many describing the late Emmanuel as brilliant and hardworking, while calling for improved healthcare support systems within the university.
