The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has announced the death of a final-year student, Oreoluwa Emmanuel Adewole, who reportedly passed away during an examination.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, the student was in Part IV at the College of Health Sciences. His death was described as sudden and shocking.
The incident occurred during a clinical viva examination; a practical assessment commonly conducted for medical students. During the session, Adewole reportedly complained of chest pain.
Olarewaju said the situation was treated as an emergency. Lecturers and fellow medical students present at the venue quickly attended to him and tried to stabilise his condition.
Despite their efforts, the university said the student could not be revived.
“He was immediately attended to by his lecturers and colleagues. Sadly, despite prompt medical intervention and all efforts made to save his life, he passed on,” the statement said.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the university community, especially among students and staff of the College of Health Sciences, where Adewole was studying.
Medical training in Nigerian universities is known to be demanding, with students undergoing years of rigorous academic and clinical work. Clinical examinations, such as viva sessions, are important parts of the training process, where students are assessed on practical knowledge and patient care skills.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Simeon Bamire, expressed deep sadness over the loss. On behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, staff, and students, he extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
He also sympathised with Adewole’s friends, classmates, and members of the College of Health Sciences, describing the loss as painful and difficult to accept.
The university said it is in contact with the student’s family and relevant authorities to provide support during this difficult time. It also noted that steps are being taken to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The university management is currently engaging relevant authorities and the family to provide necessary support and to further understand what happened,” the statement added.
Student deaths on campus, especially during academic activities, are rare but often raise concerns about health conditions, stress, and emergency response systems in schools. Experts say early reporting of symptoms and access to proper medical care are important in preventing such tragedies.
For now, the focus at OAU remains on mourning the loss of a promising young student whose life was cut short.
Adewole’s death has left many in the university community in grief, as students and staff reflect on the incident and offer support to one another.