A 500-level student of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, identified as Tunmise, has died after developing breathing complications while playing football on campus.
Tunmise, a final-year Building Technology student, was said to have taken ill during a football match and was rushed from the pitch to the university’s medical centre. He later died at the clinic, according to accounts from fellow students.
His death marks the third reported incident involving student fatalities at the institution, raising fresh concerns about emergency response and healthcare facilities on campus.
Colleagues of the deceased have alleged that the university clinic lacked essential equipment, including oxygen, which they claim could have aided his survival. In posts circulating online, students said Tunmise complained of weakness and shortness of breath during a Chancellor’s Cup match between Computer Engineering and Building Technology students.
According to the accounts, he requested to be substituted early in the game, but his condition worsened by halftime, prompting his transfer to the medical centre. Students further alleged that the attending doctor initially said he needed air, but shortly after declared that he had stopped breathing.
They claimed that no oxygen or nebulizer was administered during the emergency, alleging that the facility was not adequately equipped despite the university’s large student population.
Students also alleged that it took about three hours before the university management informed Tunmise’s parents of his death.
The incident has reignited memories of previous tragedies on campus. In June 2025, a 200-level Engineering student, identified as Mordi Nwese Daniel, reportedly died after being struck by lightning on the same football pitch. Students alleged that instead of immediate medical intervention, efforts were focused on prayers.
Similarly, in April 2017, a 500-level Building Technology student reportedly sustained a head injury at a swimming pool. According to student accounts, he was taken to the school clinic where essential emergency equipment such as oxygen and a defibrillator were allegedly unavailable.
As of the time of filing this report, Covenant University had not issued an official statement on Tunmise’s death.
About The Author
