NOUN student collapses during test and dies
A student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), identified as Michael Coker, has died after collapsing suddenly during an examination at the institution’s Victoria Island study centre in Lagos. The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when Coker collapsed shortly after entering the exam hall and attempting to begin his test. Witnesses said he was standing in the examination room when he suddenly fell to the floor and began gasping for breath, struggling visibly before help arrived.
Eyewitnesses reported that Coker lay on the ground for more than fifteen minutes with fellow students alarmed by his condition. One student who spoke with journalists said a senior lecturer acting as an invigilator prevented other candidates from moving towards Coker and ordered them back to their seats, reportedly saying “leave him, he will get up.” Students grew increasingly concerned as the young man appeared to be in distress, but it took several minutes for assistance to arrive at the scene, during which time Coker’s breathing remained weak.
Eventually, a nurse administered first aid and Coker was taken downstairs and transported to Bonny Camp Hospital. A hospital spokesperson denied claims that he was rejected, saying he was referred to a facility with oxygen support. Despite efforts to save him, Coker was later pronounced dead, with conflicting accounts about whether he died en route or shortly after reaching the second hospital. Fellow students were instructed to continue with their examinations and were informed of his death only after completing their tests.
The tragic incident has raised serious questions about emergency response protocols at examination centres and the handling of medical emergencies during high-pressure academic assessments. Some students have criticised the delay in aid, while others have suggested that the invigilator’s actions were intended to maintain order and space around the collapsed student. The National Open University of Nigeria has not yet issued an official statement addressing the circumstances of the incident.
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