Final-Year Covenant University Student Dies After Collapsing During Football Training

A 500-level Building Technology student of Covenant University, Toluwase Jesutunmise, has died after slumping during a football training session on campus.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday, April 6, 2026, according to a statement issued by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Timothy Anake, on Wednesday.

The university disclosed that Jesutunmise had actively participated in a football training session before stepping out to rest after complaining of leg pain and fatigue.

Moments later, his teammates reportedly observed that he was gasping for breath and immediately rushed him to the institution’s medical centre emergency unit, located opposite the playing field. However, he was said to have stopped breathing before arriving at the facility.

Part of the statement 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 complained of leg pain and fatigue. Shortly after, his teammates noticed he was gasping for breath and swiftly moved him to the medical centre. Unfortunately, he had stopped breathing by the time he arrived.”

The Vice-Chancellor further explained that although the student was brought in without signs of life, medical personnel immediately commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an automated external defibrillator.

However, all efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.
Jesutunmise was subsequently certified clinically dead, with preliminary indications suggesting a previously undisclosed heart condition.

The incident has since sparked reactions among students, with some alleging that the medical centre lacked adequate oxygen supply and emergency response equipment.

Reacting to the claims, the university management refuted allegations of negligence, insisting that all necessary emergency equipment was available and properly utilised.

“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 statement added.

The institution also noted that its management team, led by the Vice-Chancellor, remained at the medical centre throughout the incident and stayed with the bereaved family until burial arrangements were concluded.

Covenant University expressed deep condolences to the family, describing the student’s death as a profound loss to the university community and society at large.