By Sandra Kenneth
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the management of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, demanding a public explanation regarding the death of Taiwo Godwin, a Post-Basic Nursing student.
The student body is also pressing for an independent investigation, raising critical concerns over the hospital’s emergency response systems, medical facilities, and the overall standard of care given to the deceased prior to his passing.
The demands were formalized in a statement released on Saturday by the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Comrade Faruq Olabode, who described the tragic occurrence as deeply alarming and questioning institutional patient safety.
“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 emphasized.
In addition to transparency from the hospital, NANS has called on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), security agencies, and relevant regulatory watchdogs to probe the incident and enforce accountability. The association further demanded an independent autopsy review handled by qualified professionals to uncover whether medical negligence contributed to the student’s death.
Appealing directly to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for immediate intervention, NANS warned that failure to meet their 24-hour deadline would spark massive student demonstrations 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,” the association cautioned.
Hospital Management Responds, Commences Investigation
In a swift counter-response, the management of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital expressed profound grief over the student’s demise, which took place while he was undergoing treatment at the facility’s General Medical Practice Unit.
Confirming that an internal probe is already underway, the hospital pledged that the inquiry would be handled impartially, thoroughly, and transparently in line with institutional standards.
The official response, signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiola Ajibola, on behalf of the Acting Provost and Medical Director, assured stakeholders that all steps would be taken to unearth the facts and ensure due process.
“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 management stated.
