A 400-level medical student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, named Adewole Emmanuel, has passed away after collapsing just before his final session examination.

Emmanuel’s death was announced in a statement by the Ife University Medical Students Association yesterday.

The association expressed deep sorrow at the sudden loss, describing Emmanuel as a strong presence in his class.

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.”

Describing the deceased as “a colleague, friend, roommate, and a Part 4 medical student with an undeniably bright future until the time of his passing”, the association added, “This incident is not only sad but also incredibly painful as we lost a rising star and a loving member of the IFUMSA family.

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

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior member of the association, said the student passed away on Wednesday without any underlying ailment.

“He died yesterday. But he hadn’t been sick. He just collapsed and couldn’t be resuscitated,” the source said.

“We were about to write our final exam for the session. And during the process of waiting for the exam, he suddenly collapsed in the college and died.

“It’s just unfortunate as he didn’t have any underlying medical condition. We have already contacted his family,” he added.