By John Dike, Osogbo
The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has expressed deep sadness over the death of a final-year student of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Oluwole Oluwaseun.
The university said the student died following an incident at an apartment in the Damico Area, Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution received information about the emergency at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The statement said the university’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team immediately proceeded to the location after receiving the report.
It added that the Nigeria Police was contacted, with officers from the ‘A’ Division, Moore, Ile-Ife, joining the university’s security personnel at the scene.
Oluwaseun was subsequently taken to the University Health Centre, where a medical doctor certified him dead.
The university said it was deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and had handed relevant information and items recovered from the scene over to the police.
The police have commenced investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The university management also said it had notified the appropriate student affairs authorities for necessary follow-up, particularly regarding the welfare and support of students who may have been affected by the tragedy.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, classmates and colleagues, describing the incident as a painful moment for the university community.
Bamire also expressed concern for students and other members of the university community who may be emotionally affected by the death.
The university appealed to members of the institution to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information or speculation about the circumstances surrounding the student’s death while the police investigation continues.
Management further urged students facing severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, financial pressures or other personal challenges to seek help promptly from trusted persons and appropriate university support structures.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of staff and students, stressing that no student should feel compelled to confront overwhelming difficulties alone.
The university assured the community that the relevant authorities were handling the matter and that further information, where necessary and appropriate, would be communicated through official channels.
