Covenant University denies negligence as student dies during football training

A student of Covenant University in the Ota area of Ogun State, Toluwase Jesutunmise, has been confirmed dead after collapsing during a football training session on campus.

Covenant University disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Vice-Chancellor, Timothy Anake, that the incident occurred during a student football training exercise on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Anake noted that the student had stepped out of the game after complaining of leg pains and fatigue, adding that his teammates later observed that he was gasping for breath and quickly rushed him to the institution’s medical centre located opposite the playing field.

Anake said: “However, he had stopped breathing by the time he arrived at the facility.

“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.

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

“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,” he added.