Tragedy Strikes Covenant University: Student Hit by Lightning During Football Match

Mordi Nwense Daniel, an engineering student at Covenant University (CU), Ota, Ogun State, died on Saturday after being struck by lightning while playing football with friends on the university’s pitch.

However, his death has sparked widespread condemnation due to an alleged delay in providing him with immediate medical attention.

Eyewitnesses claim that instead of rushing Mordi for medical care, university staff who were alerted to the incident reportedly began praying over him before eventually taking him to the medical center, by which point it was too late.

A parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their frustration: “Imagine pastors praying for a supposed thunder-struck student instead of taking him to the clinic or hospital the moment his mates called for help. My second child was there and I know what I went through in resisting their pretence/insults for four years.”

The incident has also generated significant backlash on social media, with many users criticizing and accusing the university of a pattern of covering up such issues.

For instance, Campusgiant posted on Instagram: “Covenant University is mourning the loss of a student, Mordi, who tragically died after being struck by lightning while playing football in the rain on June 7.

Social media posts by witnesses claim a delayed and inadequate emergency response with concerns over the availability of essential medical equipment on campus.

The incident has triggered widespread calls for improved student healthcare and better preparations for emergencies.

Similarly, some commentators on X formerly Twitter, decried attempts cover up the incident.
David @afrogodd wrote “Covenant University always covers up the death of students and in many cases, they are complicit in the cause of death.”

Vicki @ceotbk also wrote “ A student (now dead) just got struck down by lightning and the school is trying to cover it up because of their medical negligence.”

Commenting on the matter, the National President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, described the incident as unfortunate.

“We commiserate with the university authorities and the family of the deceased student. We cannot say it was somebody who brought down the thunder. Thunder strike happens across the world especially during raining season. We all played in the rain in those days, but we must tell our children the dangers in that.

“Whether it is a primary or secondary school not to talk about a university, each school should have First Aid facilities on ground. When we were growing up, if I am not mistaken, each classroom had First Aid Box, even at primary school level.

“This is necessary because medical emergency can happen anytime. The administration of first aid treatment can save souls. We must take the welfare of our children seriously,” he said.