A 500-level Building Technology student at Covenant University, Ogun State, Toluwase Jesutunmise, has tragically passed away after collapsing during a football training session on campus.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, the incident took place on Monday, April 6, 2026.
The statement indicated that Jesutunmise had been actively participating in the football session but stepped aside to rest after reporting leg pain and fatigue.
Moments later, his teammates noticed he was struggling to breathe and quickly rushed him to the university’s medical centre emergency unit, situated opposite the playing field.
He was, however, reported to have stopped breathing before reaching the facility.
The statement partly read, “On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Covenant University community experienced the unfortunate loss of one of our precious students. Jesutunmise, a diligent and vibrant student, participated in a student football training session on campus.
“He stepped out of the game to rest after he was said to have complained of leg pains and being tired. In a short while, his football mates observed that he was gasping for breath, and they responded swiftly by taking him to the medical centre’s emergency unit, which was directly opposite the playing field. However, he had stopped breathing by the time he arrived at the facility.”
Professor Anake further explained that, although Jesutunmise was brought in without signs of life, the medical team immediately commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an automated external defibrillator. Despite their efforts, they were unable to revive him.
Jesutunmise was later certified clinically dead, with the vice-chancellor noting that indications pointed to an existing but previously undisclosed heart condition.
The incident drew reactions online, as some students alleged that Jesutunmise was not placed on oxygen or given prompt respiratory support while struggling to breathe.
One X user, @kamiikunre, wrote, “This oxygen has been an issue since 2017 KILODEEEEEE!!!! they never have! that medical center is just for decoration.”
Responding to the claims, Anake emphasized that there was no negligence on the part of the medical personnel, and all necessary emergency equipment was available and properly used.
“We wish to confirm that there was no form of negligence in the response of the medical personnel or a shortage of any required equipment for the treatment.
“The management of the university, led by the vice-chancellor, was at the medical centre from the time of the unfortunate event until the parents arrived and remained with the family until he was laid to rest,” the statement added.
The university also extended condolences to th was be family, describing Jesutunmise’s death as a profound loss to both the institution and society at large.
