A 500-level student of Covenant University, Toluwase Jesutunmise, has died after collapsing during a football training session on campus, sparking fresh concerns over student health monitoring in tertiary institutions.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, has thrown the university community into mourning.
The institution confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, explaining that the student had actively participated in the training before stepping aside after complaining of leg pain and fatigue.
According to the statement, moments after leaving the pitch, Jesutunmise was seen gasping for breath by teammates, who immediately raised the alarm.
He was rushed to the university’s medical centre, located close to the training ground, where emergency response procedures were initiated.
Medical personnel reportedly commenced resuscitation efforts using cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an automated external defibrillator in a bid to revive him.
Despite the intervention, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency unit.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Timothy Anake, described the deceased as a diligent and vibrant student whose death represents a painful loss to the academic community.
Preliminary findings by the university indicated that a previously undisclosed heart condition may have been responsible for the sudden collapse.
The management, however, maintained that there was no negligence on the part of its medical personnel, stressing that all required emergency equipment was available and promptly deployed.
It added that members of the university management had remained in contact with the bereaved family since the incident and were providing necessary support.
The institution also extended its condolences to the family, noting that the tragic development has left students and staff in deep grief.
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