Covenant University refutes claims of negligence in student’s death
Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has said Jestunmise Toluwase, a final year student at the university, died as a result of a prior undisclosed heart condition, rather than negligence as
Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has said Jestunmise Toluwase, a final year student at the university, died as a result of a prior undisclosed heart condition, rather than negligence as touted in certain quarters.
A statement yesterday by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Anake, noted that on Monday, April 6, 2026, the deceased student participated in a football training session on campus.
He thereafter decided to rest after reportedly complaining of leg pain and fatigue.
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According to the university, his football mates noticed that he was gasping for breath, and they quickly responded 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,” it said.
The statement reads in part: “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.
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“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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The university denied any form of negligence in the response of the medical personnel or a shortage of any required equipment for the treatment.
Itoted that university officials led by the Vice Chancellor were present at the Medical Centre from the time of the incident till 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 statement added.
