Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has confirmed the death of one of its students, Toluwase Jesutunmise Emmanuel, following a medical emergency during a football training session on campus.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor on Wednesday, the university explained that the incident occurred on Monday, April 6, when the student reportedly complained of leg pain and fatigue during training.

According to the statement, he stepped out of the game to rest before his condition worsened.

“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’s 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.”

The university said medical personnel immediately attempted to revive him upon arrival at the medical centre.

“Though he was brought in dead, the doctors responded immediately by administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an automated external defibrillator (AED). However, all efforts to resuscitate Jesutunmise were unsuccessful. Subsequently, he was certified clinically dead due to prior undisclosed heart condition.”

Covenant University also dismissed claims of negligence, stating that there was no lapse in the response of its medical team.

“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 institution added that its management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, was present at the medical centre throughout the incident and remained with the family.

“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 university expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the death as a loss to both the institution and society.

“The entire Covenant University community extends our deepest condolences to the family for this loss. This is also a loss for the University and the entire society, which was deprived of the special gift that Jesutunmise represents.”

It also thanked members of the public for their concern and support during the period.

“We thank the general public for your concern and support at this time. Please keep the family in your prayers as they navigate this difficult period.” (Nigerian Tribune, excluding headline)

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