A 500-level Applied Geophysics student at Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Mr Tunji Agboola, has reportedly slumped and died while playing football on Saturday at FUTA South Gate area of Akure, the state capital.

It was gathered that the student, who was living outside the campus, had no record of health challenge before the incident and the cause of the death was still unknown as of press time.

A source said immediately the deceased slumped, he was rushed to the institution’s health centre but the centre was not open due to the strike action embarked upon by the Non-Academic Staff Union.

He was later rushed to a private hospital in the area.

On getting to the private hospital, Agboola was allegedly not attended to due to lack of basic oxygen apparatus.

“This made the rescue team to rush him to Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, where he was confirmed dead,” the source added.

The source said students of the institution, especially members of Nigerian Association of Earth and Mineral Science Students, were angry about the incident and almost went on a protest action because he did not get help on time.

Their leaders were said to have prevailed on them to shelve the protest.

Student Union Government President, Mr. Adeyinka Olasehinde, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate.”

He said the union would be meeting with the management of the institution to express their displeasure over the lack of a functioning health centre in the school.

He said remains of the late Agboola had been handed over to his elder brother for movement to Ado Ekiti, where their parents resided.

Meanwhile, the management of FUTA, in a statement by the Head of the Protocol and Public Relations Unit of the institution, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, on Sunday, expressed shock over the student’s death.

“Our prayers are with his family at this very difficult time. The university commiserates with his immediate family and friends and pray God to grant them the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

“This is a time of sober reflection. As an institution, we will continue to review and strengthen existing structures in terms of health care delivery and other services that directly affect the wellbeing and welfare of members of the FUTA community, particularly the students who remain our main focus,” the statement read in part.

Punch