Tragic Loss at MOUAU: Final-Year Student Nwachukwu Omiko D!es During Football Training

 

It was a day that brought deep sorrow to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) community on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Nwachukwu Omiko, a final-year student of Mechanical Engineering at the university, tragically collapsed and died during a football training session held at the San Siro Football Pitch within the university grounds.

Nwachukwu Omiko, who was known to be asthmatic, was actively participating in a friendly football match with his fellow students when he suddenly slumped to the ground without warning. The shock and panic among the players were immediate as they rushed to help their friend.

Despite their prompt efforts to revive him on the spot, their attempts to resuscitate Omiko were unfortunately unsuccessful. The situation quickly escalated as the students urgently contacted the University Health Services for emergency medical assistance.

In an official statement released by the university, signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Ubadire Agua, it was confirmed that Omiko was promptly taken to the hospital for further medical attention. “He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in the university’s oxygen-equipped ambulance at neck-breaking speed,” the statement emphasized, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

However, despite the swift medical intervention and the best efforts of the doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, the young student was pronounced dead upon arrival. The university deeply regrets the loss of this promising student, describing the event as a heartbreaking tragedy.

“The university regrets that despite the efforts to keep Mr. Omiko alive, it lost him to the cold hands of death,” the statement mournfully added.

The Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, also publicly expressed his heartfelt condolences. He extended sympathy to Omiko’s family, the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology to which he belonged, and the entire student body who have been affected by this sudden and devastating loss.

In light of this incident, the university management has taken the opportunity to remind all students to take their health seriously. They urge every student to proactively check their health status with the University Health Services immediately upon arrival on campus.

Additionally, the university has issued a strong advisory to students who have pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or other chronic illnesses, to avoid engaging in physically strenuous activities that may put their wellbeing at risk.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of health awareness and precaution among students, especially when participating in physical sports or activities. The MOUAU community mourns the loss of Nwachukwu Omiko and prays for strength for his family and friends during this difficult time.