By Deborah Nnamdi
A 500-level student of Covenant University, Toluwase Jesutunmise, has died after collapsing during a football training session on campus.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, has sparked renewed concerns over student health monitoring and emergency response systems in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the university confirmed that the student had actively participated in the training session before stepping aside after complaining of leg pain and fatigue.
Moments after leaving the pitch, Jesutunmise was reportedly seen gasping for breath by teammates, prompting an immediate emergency response.
He was rushed to the university’s medical centre, located near the training ground, where medical personnel began resuscitation efforts using cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an automated external defibrillator. Despite these efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency unit.
The Vice-Chancellor, Timothy Anake, described the deceased as a diligent and vibrant student, noting that his death was a major loss to the institution.
According to the university, preliminary findings suggest that an undisclosed heart condition may have led to the sudden collapse.
The institution maintained that there was no negligence on the part of its medical team, adding that all necessary emergency equipment was available and properly deployed during the incident.
It also stated that members of the university management have remained in close contact with the bereaved family since the incident and are providing support.
The university expressed deep condolences to the family, noting that the tragic loss has left the entire campus community in mourning.
