Tragedy struck at the Victoria Island study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria when a student, Michael Coker, collapsed during an examination and later died.
According to accounts gathered from students and eyewitnesses, the incident occurred last Tuesday at about 11 am, shortly after the examination began. Coker was reportedly preparing to log into the examination system when he suddenly collapsed inside the examination hall.
Witnesses said another student standing behind him quickly supported him and laid him on the floor. However, several students alleged that immediate help was delayed, as a female senior lecturer and invigilator from a nearby hall instructed students to return to their seats and continue with the examination.
A student identified as Bukola told reporters that despite repeated attempts by students to draw attention to the emergency, the invigilator allegedly dismissed concerns. She claimed the invigilator responded in Yoruba, saying, “E fi sÃlè, ó máa dìde,” which translates to “Leave him, he will get up.”
Bukola said Coker remained on the floor for several minutes, jerking and gasping for breath, while students grew increasingly distressed. Some reportedly asked whether he had epilepsy or was convulsing, while others suggested ways to help him, but no immediate medical assistance arrived.
She further alleged that it took several minutes before a nurse was eventually called and that even placing Coker on a chair took additional time. By the time help arrived, his condition had reportedly deteriorated, with his breathing becoming unstable.
The nurse later administered first aid, after which Coker was taken downstairs through the elevator. Students were instructed to proceed with their examinations, and many only learned of his death after completing their papers.
A member of staff of the institution, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said sudden medical emergencies were not uncommon during examinations. The source explained that students sometimes come with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma or seizure disorders, which they may not be aware of.
The staff member added that there had been previous instances of students collapsing during examinations and later recovering, including a case a day before the incident, where a student reportedly collapsed due to drug influence.
However, another student and class representative of the deceased, Prince Preskit, offered a different perspective, insisting that there was no deliberate delay in providing assistance.
According to Preskit, Coker was about to begin the examination when he collapsed, and the invigilator may have been attempting to create space around him to avoid panic. He said once it became clear that the situation was serious, Coker was immediately taken downstairs and rushed to the hospital.
Preskit disclosed that Coker was first taken to Bonny Camp Hospital but was later referred to another medical facility due to the need for oxygen. He said Coker reportedly died on the way to the second hospital.
Officials at Bonny Camp Hospital denied claims that the patient was rejected, stating that he was referred to another hospital where better facilities, including oxygen, were available.
A student who is related to the deceased confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details, saying the family was still mourning and had not authorised any public comments.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the university were unsuccessful. The director of the Victoria Island study centre declined to comment on the incident, while another official who was not authorised to speak on behalf of the institution advised journalists to return in January for an official statement.
The incident has since sparked concern among students, who are calling for clearer emergency response protocols and better medical preparedness during examinations at the study centre.
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