MOUAU Mourns Final-Year Engineering Student Who Died Playing Football on Campus
The management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has officially confirmed the tragic death of one of its students, Nwachukwu Omiko, a final-year undergraduate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, while the student was engaged in a football match on the university campus.
According to a formal statement issued by the university’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ubadire Agua, Omiko collapsed suddenly on the football pitch during the game.
Fellow students and teammates who were present at the scene immediately rushed to his aid, making desperate efforts to resuscitate him. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they quickly alerted the University Health Services for professional intervention.
In response, Omiko was swiftly transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Umuahia. He was conveyed in the university’s specially-equipped ambulance, which includes onboard oxygen support, in a rapid attempt to preserve his life.
Despite these prompt and coordinated efforts by both the students and medical personnel, Omiko was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
The university community has been left in shock and mourning over the loss of the promising young student, who was known to be in the final stages of his academic journey.
In the statement, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, expressed profound sorrow over the incident. He extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the university administration, academic staff, and entire student body to the bereaved family of the late Omiko.
Special sympathies were also directed toward his classmates and lecturers in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, who are deeply affected by his sudden passing.
Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor and university management used the opportunity to issue a health advisory to the entire student body. Students are urged to take their personal health seriously by undergoing medical check-ups at the University Health Services upon resumption.
Management particularly advised students with pre-existing medical conditions or any signs of underlying health issues to refrain from engaging in physically demanding activities such as intense sports or rigorous exercises without prior medical clearance.
The statement emphasized the university’s commitment to student welfare and reiterated its dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and preventive medical practices across campus.
Omiko’s untimely death has cast a somber mood over the institution, with many students and staff paying tributes and offering prayers for his soul and comfort to his grieving family.
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