Cornell University Mourns Loss of Nigerian MBA Student Oreoluwa Odetunde

​ITHACA, N.Y. — The Cornell University community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Oreoluwa Odetunde, a first-year MBA student at the S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management. Odetunde, an international student from Nigeria, was found deceased in her off-campus residence on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

​A rising star in the global financial sector, Odetunde brought a wealth of experience to Ithaca. Before joining Cornell, she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2017. Her professional journey in Nigeria was marked by strategic roles at prominent firms, including Anchoria Asset Management and Greenwich Merchant Bank. She was also recognized as a financial analyst of high promise, having appeared on platforms like Arise News to discuss complex global economic shifts, such as U.S. Federal Reserve rate decisions.

​At Cornell, Odetunde was a highly active and respected member of the student body. She was a Forté Fellow—a prestigious designation for women leaders in business—and a Sage Scholar. Her commitment to community and professional excellence was evident through her leadership in the Johnson African Business Society, the Black Graduate Business Association, and the Old Ezra Finance Club.

​“We are devastated for Oreoluwa’s family, friends, classmates, and instructors and extend our deepest condolences in this difficult time,” the Cornell Johnson Graduate School shared in a statement.

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​The university has moved quickly to provide support to grieving students and faculty. A community gathering was held Friday at Sage Hall, and a second support meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, at 5:00 p.m. in the Edwards Room at Anabel Taylor Hall.

​The cause of death has not been publicly released. University officials are encouraging students affected by the tragedy to utilize campus mental health resources and counseling services.