A tragic incident occurred at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, when Mordi Nwense Daniel, an Engineering student, died after reportedly being struck by lightning while playing football in the rain with fellow students. The incident, which happened on June 7, has sparked anger among students, parents, and the general public, especially due to concerns about the university’s response to the emergency.
Eyewitnesses claimed that instead of rushing Mordi to the medical center immediately, university staff first engaged in prayers, delaying his access to urgent medical care. This alleged negligence has triggered a wave of criticism, particularly on social media, where users condemned the school for poor emergency preparedness and medical facilities. Many expressed frustration with what they perceive as a culture of cover-ups at the institution.
Parents and concerned individuals voiced their outrage, with one parent sharing a personal experience of enduring four difficult years resisting what they described as the school’s dismissive culture. On platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), users decried the university’s actions and demanded better healthcare and emergency protocols on campus to protect students’ lives.
The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) also reacted, with its president, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, calling the incident unfortunate but preventable. He emphasized the need for all schools, including universities, to maintain proper first aid facilities and train staff to handle medical emergencies effectively, arguing that such measures could save lives.
Despite the public outcry, the management of Covenant University has remained silent. Efforts to reach the school’s media unit head, Chi Omoniwu, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered. Meanwhile, the late student, Mordi, was buried on Tuesday, leaving behind a grieving community demanding justice, accountability, and institutional reforms.
