NANS Threatens Protest Over Nursing Student’s Death at Aro Hospital

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, has threatened to mobilise students for a mass protest at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, if its management fails to explain the circumstances surrounding the death of a nursing student within 24 hours.

The student, Taiwo Godwin, was a Post-Basic Nursing student at the institution and reportedly died while receiving treatment at the hospital’s General Medical Practice Unit.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Comrade Faruq Olabode, described the incident as alarming and raised concerns about patient safety, emergency response and the quality of healthcare provided at the facility.

The association demanded that the hospital management publicly explain the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death and clarify the medical attention he received before his demise.

It also 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.

NANS further demanded an independent autopsy review to establish the cause of death and determine whether negligence or failures in medical care contributed to the incident. It said the process should be conducted by qualified professionals, with appropriate consent and in compliance with the law.

The association also appealed to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, to intervene in the matter.

It warned that failure by the hospital to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated period could lead to the mobilisation of students across Ogun State for a protest demanding transparency, accountability and justice.

Meanwhile, the hospital management has announced that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the facility expressed sadness over the loss and extended condolences to Godwin’s family, friends, colleagues and the nursing community.

The statement, signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Abiola Ajibola, on behalf of the Acting Provost and Medical Director, said the investigation would be thorough, impartial and transparent.

Management assured students, staff and the public that necessary steps would be taken to establish the facts, address any issues identified and ensure accountability.

Reports surrounding the incident alleged that Godwin, who had asthma, experienced breathing difficulties while playing football and was taken to the hospital for treatment. A colleague reportedly alleged that oxygen was not administered as his condition deteriorated.

However, the circumstances surrounding his death and the allegations concerning the medical care he received have yet to be independently established.

The investigation is expected to clarify the events leading to the student’s death and determine whether any shortcomings occurred in the care provided.