NOUN Student Collapses and Dies During Examination in Lagos

The academic community of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of a student, identified as Michael Coker, after he collapsed during a semester examination.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the university’s Victoria Island Study Centre in Lagos. According to eyewitness accounts, Coker suddenly slumped around 11:00 am shortly after entering the examination hall.

Controversy has trailed the tragic event, with fellow students alleging that administrative negligence contributed to the fatality. Witnesses claimed that Coker remained unattended on the floor for over 15 minutes while gasping for breath.

Reports indicate that Coker was eventually transported to Bonny Camp Hospital but was allegedly rejected. However, hospital officials have denied these claims, stating that the patient was not rejected but was referred to another facility better equipped with necessary oxygen supplies. Coker was tragically pronounced dead on the way to the second medical facility.

As of Wednesday, December 24, 2025, NOUN management has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. The Director of the Study Centre declined to comment when approached, while another university official stated that authorized responses would not be available until January 2026.