Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State has said the death of one of its students, Jestunmise Toluwase, was a result of a prior undisclosed heart condition.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy A. Anake, the university said on Monday, April 6, 2026, Jesutunmise, a diligent and vibrant student, participated in a student football training session on campus. During the game, he stepped out to rest after reportedly complaining of leg pain and fatigue.
The university stated that later, 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. 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 stated.
The university stated that there was no form of negligence in the response of the medical personnel or a shortage of any required equipment for the treatment.
It said 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 Jesutunmise was laid to rest.
“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.
“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,” the university said.
