The National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, has threatened mass protests at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, if the management fails to explain within 24 hours the circumstances surrounding the death of a Post-Basic Nursing student, Taiwo Godwin.
The student body also demanded an independent investigation into the incident, citing concerns about the hospital’s medical facilities, emergency response capacity, and quality of care provided to the deceased before his death.
The demands were contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Comrade Faruq Olabode.
Describing the incident as alarming, the association said the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death raised serious questions about patient safety and healthcare delivery at the federal medical facility.
“Consequently, NANS Ogun JCC hereby gives the management of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, 24 HOURS to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the death of the student and clarify the medical attention he received before his demise,” the statement read.
The association called on the Nigerian Medical Association, security agencies, and relevant medical regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
It also demanded an independent autopsy review to establish the cause of death and determine whether negligence or any failure in medical care contributed to the incident.
According to NANS, the process should be conducted by qualified professionals, with appropriate consent and in compliance with the law, to guarantee transparency and credibility.
The association further appealed to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, to intervene urgently.
It warned that failure by the hospital management to provide a satisfactory explanation within 24 hours could trigger a mass protest involving students across Ogun State.
“Should the hospital management fail to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated 24 hours, NANS Ogun JCC will consider mobilising Nigerian students across the Gateway State for a massive protest at the facility in demand of transparency, accountability, and justice,” it said.
Meanwhile, the hospital management has announced that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the hospital expressed sadness over the student’s death, which occurred while he was receiving treatment at its General Medical Practice Unit.
The management assured students, staff members, and the general public that the investigation was ongoing and would be conducted in accordance with established procedures.
The statement, signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiola Ajibola, on behalf of the Acting Provost and Medical Director, said the management was committed to expediting the investigation and ensuring that it is thorough, impartial, and transparent.
It added that necessary measures would be taken to establish the facts, address any issues identified, and ensure that justice was served.
“We further assure all concerned that every necessary step will be taken to establish the facts, address any issues identified, and ensure that justice is served,” the statement read