Covenant University undergraduate in 500 level dies after collapsing during soccer practice

A tragic incident unfolded at Covenant University on Monday, resulting in the death of Toluwase Jesutunmise, a 500-level student, who collapsed during a football training session on campus, sparking concerns about student health monitoring and emergency response systems in tertiary institutions.

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The university confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealing that the student had been actively participating in the training before stepping aside due to leg pain and fatigue.

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Moments after leaving the pitch, Jesutunmise was seen gasping for breath by his teammates, prompting an immediate emergency response, and he was rushed to the university's medical centre, which is located close to the training ground.

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Medical personnel at the centre initiated resuscitation efforts using cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an automated external defibrillator, but unfortunately, Jesutunmise was pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency unit.

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According to the institution, preliminary findings suggest that a previously undisclosed heart condition may have been responsible for the incident, and the university has stated that there was no negligence on the part of its medical team.

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The university's medical team had all necessary emergency equipment available and utilised it, and the institution has disclosed that all necessary procedures were followed during the emergency response.

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Vice-Chancellor Timothy Anake has described the late student as diligent and vibrant, noting that his death is a significant loss to the university community, which is now in mourning.

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The university has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and has been providing support, with members of the management remaining with the family after they were notified of the incident.