A final year student of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Nwachukwu Omiko, collapsed and passed away during a football training session.
The devastating incident took place at the San Siro Football Pitch on the university campus on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The Mechanical Engineering student, known to have asthma, was playing football with his peers when he suddenly fell unconscious.
Fellow students immediately attempted to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful, leading them to notify the University Health Services.
In a statement issued by the university’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Ubadire Agua, it was confirmed that the student was taken to the hospital but was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
“He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in the university’s oxygen-equipped ambulance at neck-breaking speed,” the statement read.
Despite the rapid response and medical intervention, the university expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the promising young student.
“The university regrets that despite the efforts to keep Mr Omiko alive, it lost him to the cold hands of death.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has conveyed deep condolences to Omiko’s family, the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and the entire student body.
The university leadership urged all students to prioritize their well-being by verifying their health status with the university health services upon arriving on campus.
Additionally, it recommended that students with pre-existing medical conditions refrain from participating in demanding physical activities.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli