A final-year Mechanical Engineering student of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, Nwachukwu Omiko, has died after collapsing while playing football on Wednesday.

According to reports, Omiko suddenly slumped on the football pitch during a game with fellow students. Despite immediate efforts by his friends to resuscitate him, they were unsuccessful.

University authorities were promptly informed about the incident, and the student was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, in the university's oxygen-equipped ambulance. Despite the swift response, doctors at the medical facility confirmed him dead upon arrival.

In an official statement signed by Ubadire Agua, Chief Public Relations Officer of MOUAU, the university expressed deep regret over the unfortunate incident, stating that despite their efforts to save Omiko's life, he succumbed to "the cold hands of death."

"The Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, CFS, extends the deep regrets and condolences of the University to the parents and family of Mr. Omiko as well as his colleagues in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology," the statement read.

Following this tragic incident, the university management has urged all students to check their health status with the University Health Services upon arrival on campus and advised those with underlying health conditions to avoid strenuous physical activities.

The sudden death has sent shockwaves through the university community, particularly among students of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, where Omiko was just months away from completing his degree program.