A student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Michael Coker, has died after collapsing during an examination at the institution’s Victoria Island study centre in Lagos.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 16, during a test session at the centre. Witnesses said Coker suddenly slumped to the floor shortly after students entered the examination hall.
A student, identified as Bukola, told Punch that Coker was left unattended for several minutes after he collapsed. She alleged that a female invigilator from a nearby hall instructed students to return to their seats instead of attending to him.
According to her account, Coker was gasping for breath while on the floor, but efforts by fellow students to assist were allegedly discouraged. She claimed that it took several minutes before medical help was sought, and additional time before he was placed on a chair and attended to by a nurse.
Bukola said first aid was eventually administered before Coker was taken downstairs through an elevator. Students were reportedly asked to continue with their examinations, and it was only after the test ended that they were informed of his death.
Another student and class representative, identified as Prince Preskit, confirmed that Coker collapsed while preparing to log into the examination system. He suggested that initial instructions may have been aimed at creating space around the student, but acknowledged that tensions rose afterward as some students blamed delays in seeking medical attention.
Preskit said Coker was taken to Bonny Camp Hospital before being referred elsewhere. However, the hospital’s management denied claims that the student was turned away.
“The patient was not rejected,” a hospital official said. “He was referred to another facility where oxygen would be available.”
As of the time of reporting, NOUN authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.