Student dies during campus football session, Covenant University explains cause

By Our Reporter

Covenant varsity announces death of student, gives details of cause
Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has confirmed the death of one of its students, Toluwase Jesutunmise Emmanuel, following a medical emergency that occurred during a football training session on campus.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the institution disclosed that the incident happened on Monday, April 6, when the student reportedly complained of leg pain and fatigue while participating in training.
According to the statement, he stepped out of the game to rest, but his condition soon deteriorated.
“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 stated that medical personnel immediately made efforts 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 refuted allegations of negligence, insisting that there was no failure 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 further revealed 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 extended its condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a significant 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 appreciated members of the public for their concern and support during the difficult 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.”