NANS Gives Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Abeokuta 24 Hours to Explain Student’s Death

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), has given the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, 24 hours to explain the circumstances surrounding the death of an asthmatic student, threatening a mass protest if the management fails to respond satisfactorily.

The association also called for an independent investigation into the incident, alleging concerns about inadequate medical facilities, emergency response and the quality of care provided to the deceased student.

The demands were contained in a statement by the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Comrade Olabode Faruq, also known as Success, on Saturday, October 17.

NANS described the incident as alarming, saying it raised serious questions about patient safety and healthcare delivery at the federal hospital.

“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 students’ body called on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), security agencies and relevant medical regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable in accordance with the law.

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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 the statement, the process should be conducted by qualified professionals, with appropriate consent and in line with the law, to guarantee transparency and credibility.

NANS further appealed to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, to intervene urgently.

The association warned that failure by the hospital management to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated period could trigger a 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.

Beyond the immediate investigation, NANS called for an urgent assessment of the hospital’s medical facilities, emergency response capacity and the professional qualifications of personnel responsible for patient care.

It said any deficiencies identified during the assessment should be addressed promptly to prevent similar incidents.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that the life of a Nigerian student matters, and allegations surrounding the circumstances of his death deserve immediate answers,” the association said.

NANS Ogun JCC added that it would pursue the matter through appropriate channels until the circumstances surrounding the student’s death were established and accountability pursued.