Covenant University is facing intense public scrutiny following the death of a 500-level student, Jesutunmise Emmanuel, during a football training session on campus.
The incident, which occurred on April 6, has triggered widespread reactions online, with allegations of medical negligence dominating public discourse.
According to accounts, the student had stepped out of a training game after complaining of fatigue and leg pain.
Moments later, he was said to have developed breathing difficulties, prompting fellow students to rush him to the university’s medical centre.
However, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The development has sparked outrage on social media, where several users questioned the institution’s emergency response.
Some alleged that the medical facility lacked essential life-saving equipment, including oxygen, while others criticised what they described as an overreliance on prayer in critical situations.
In response, the university management dismissed the claims, insisting that there was no negligence in handling the emergency.
The Vice-Chancellor, Timothy Anake, described the incident as a tragic loss and stated that the student was brought to the medical centre without vital signs.
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According to the institution, medical personnel immediately initiated emergency procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an automated external defibrillator (AED), but all efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.
The university further revealed that preliminary medical findings indicated the student had an undisclosed underlying heart condition, which may have contributed to his sudden collapse.
Management also refuted claims of inadequate medical facilities, maintaining that all necessary equipment was available and properly utilised during the response.
The institution added that its leadership remained with the student’s family throughout the aftermath, expressing condolences and describing the deceased as a vibrant member of the academic community.
Despite the official explanation, the incident has reignited concerns about student safety, emergency preparedness, and the quality of medical services in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
As reactions continue to pour in, the tragedy has left many calling for greater accountability and improved health infrastructure within university campuses.