The family of Jesutunmise Emmanuel, the deceased 500-level student of Covenant University, has called for clarity and accountability on the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.
Emmanuel died on Monday during a football training session
at the university.
Reports indicate that he had stepped out of the game to rest
after complaining of leg pain and fatigue.
However, he later began gasping for breath, prompting his
colleagues to rush him to the university’s medical centre, where he was
pronounced dead.
His death sparked public backlash, with some social media
users accusing the university of medical negligence.
Some users on X alleged that the university’s medical centre
lacked oxygen to sustain the student’s breathing, while others claimed that the
management “switched to prayers” instead of providing urgent medical attention.
Reacting to the backlash, Timothy Anake, the university’s
vice-chancellor, described the incident as an “unfortunate loss”.
He said the student was rushed to the medical centre after
colleagues noticed he was struggling to breathe, adding that all efforts to
save his life were unsuccessful as medical personnel confirmed he was brought
in dead.
Anake further stated that medical reports indicated the
student had an undisclosed underlying condition.
In a statement made available on Thursday, the
family expressed deep appreciation for “the outpouring of support and concern
following his passing”.
They, however, pointed to “material inconsistencies” between
the university’s account and eyewitness reports.
“In light of the statement released by Covenant University,
we consider it necessary to address certain aspects of the account presented,”
the statement reads.
“Based on what was directly witnessed at the scene and the
information currently available to us, there appear to be material
inconsistencies between the University’s narrative and the sequence of events
as understood by the family.”
The family also expressed concern that “certain conclusions
appear to have been reached and communicated publicly before a full and
independently verified review of the circumstances”.
They noted that key questions remain regarding the precise
timeline of events, the student’s condition at the point of intervention, and
the nature, timing, and adequacy of the emergency response provided.
“These are not minor details, but central issues that
require careful and transparent clarification,” the statement added.
“At this stage, we are reviewing all relevant information,
including medical records and eyewitness accounts, and are taking steps to
ensure that these are independently assessed.”
The family said they are yet to receive a complete and
sufficiently verified medical explanation that conclusively addresses these
concerns.
“This is not a statement made lightly. It is driven by the
need for clarity, accountability, and truth,” they stated.
“We remain committed to pursuing these through appropriate
and responsible channels and will not hesitate to take further steps where
necessary to ensure that a full and accurate account is established.”
The family called on all relevant parties to cooperate fully
with the ongoing process and to prioritise transparency in the interest of
justice and public confidence.
They also urged the public to keep the family in their
thoughts during this difficult time.
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