Covenant University Student Passes Away Amidst Football Game Due to Breathing Difficulty

A tragic incident has occurred at Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, where a final-year student lost his life on campus. The student, identified as Toluwase Jesutunmise Emmanuel, also known as Tunmise, was a 500-level Building Technology student. His death followed a sudden breathing difficulty he experienced while participating in a football match.

Tunmise was reportedly rushed from the football field to the university's clinic after complaining of leg pain and fatigue. It was there that he began struggling to breathe. Fellow students immediately transported him to the school's medical facility for urgent attention.

The university, through a statement released by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy A. Anake, attributed Emmanuel's demise to an undisclosed heart condition. The statement also aimed to address and refute claims of negligence or a lack of essential medical equipment during the incident.

According to the official university account, medical professionals at the clinic administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilized an automated external defibrillator (AED). Despite these efforts, resuscitation attempts were ultimately unsuccessful in reviving the student.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the university management, including himself, was present at the medical center from the moment the event unfolded until the student's parents arrived and remained with them until after the burial. He asserted that there was no deficiency in medical personnel or equipment available at the time.

However, contrasting narratives have emerged on social media, with some students publicly questioning the university's account. These students allege shortcomings in the immediate medical care provided, suggesting a lack of basic provisions like oxygen or nebulizers. Some social media posts further claim that prayer sessions were prioritized over prompt medical intervention, with pastors reportedly involved in the prayers.

A statement purportedly from the deceased student's family has also surfaced and is circulating online, adding another layer to the unfolding situation.