Tragedy at Covenant University: 500-level student in sudden death during training

By Ige Adekunle 

The management of Covenant University has confirmed the death of a 500-level student, Toluwase Jesutunmise, who collapsed during a football training session on campus.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, has raised concerns about student health monitoring and emergency response systems in tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Vice-Chancellor, Timothy Anake, described the late student as diligent and vibrant, noting that he had actively participated in the training before stepping aside after complaining of leg pain and fatigue.

According to the university, moments after leaving the pitch, the student was observed gasping for breath by his teammates, prompting an immediate emergency response.

He was rushed to the institution’s medical centre, located close to the training ground, where medical personnel commenced resuscitation efforts using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED).

However, despite sustained intervention, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency unit.

Preliminary findings, the university said, point to a previously undisclosed heart condition as the likely cause of death.

The institution stressed that there was no negligence on the part of its medical team, adding that all required emergency equipment was available and properly utilised in the response.

It further disclosed that members of the university management remained at the medical facility until the arrival of the student’s parents and have continued to provide support to the bereaved family.

Describing the incident as a profound loss, the university said the death has left the campus community in mourning, noting that the student’s passing represents a loss not only to his family but also to the institution and society.

The management extended its condolences to the family and called for prayers, as attention turns to broader conversations around student health awareness and early detection of underlying medical conditions.