Covenant University Refutes Negligence Allegations After Student’s Tragic Demise

Toluwase Emmanuel, a 500-level student, passed away after a medical emergency during a football practice on campus, according to Covenant University’s administration.

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its Vice-Chancellor, Timothy A. Anake, the university clarified the incident’s facts amid rumors of incompetence.

Below is the document;

OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
Prof. Timothy A. Anake

April 8, 2026

RE: THE UNTIMELY PASSING OF TOLUWASE JESUTUNMISE EMMANUEL

On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Covenant University community experienced the unfortunate loss of one of our precious students. Jesutunmise, a diligent and vibrant student, participated in a student’s football training session on campus.

He stepped out of the game to rest after he was said to have complained of leg pains and being tired. In a short while, 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.

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 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.

Thank you
Professor Timothy A. Anake
Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University

This is truly heartbreaking — a young man who was so close to completing his education is now gone. The pain of such a loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him. During this difficult time, our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. May they find strength and solace in the love and support surrounding them, and may his soul find peace.