500-Level UNILAG Student Slumps, Dies, While Paying Football

A 500-level student of Estate Management at the University of Lagos, Mr Odusami Ajibola Matthew, has died after slumping at the University’s Sports Centre where he was playing football with his schoolmates on Saturday.

Some of his friends who spoke with Tribune Online on Monday said they were shocked because Odusami had always looked healthy.

“I learned of his death Sunday evening,” said Mr Saheed Ipaye, the President of University of Lagos Social Science Students Association who attended the same secondary school as Odusami. “He never looked sick to me. It is a big shock to all of us.”

A statement issued at the weekend by the Secretary, Faculty of Environmental Science Students Association (FESSA) said:

“We regret to announce the sudden demise of our colleague, brother, course mate, Odusami Ajibola Matthew, 500L student of the Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences. His death is a big shock to us and we will always remember him. We pray his gentle soul rests in perfect peace.”

While confirming the incident, the Deputy Registrar (Information) of the University, Mr Toyin Adebule, said an autopsy would be carried out to determine the cause of his death.

“He was brought into the Health Centre without any evidence of life,” he said. “At the Health Centre, the doctors were there trying to resuscitate her, but all to no avail. The Dean of Students’ Affairs was around; the two Deputy Deans were around. The Vice Chancellor was informed accordingly. All the principal officers were informed. We tried our best. The cause of death we cannot tell you now, until after the result of the autopsy.”