Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, has threatened mass protests at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, unless its management explains within 24 hours the circumstances surrounding the death of a nursing student, Taiwo Godwin.
The student body is also demanding an independent investigation and autopsy review to establish the cause of death and determine whether any failure in medical care contributed to the incident.
The demands were contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Comrade Faruq Olabode.
The association said the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death had raised concerns about patient safety, the hospital’s medical facilities, its emergency response capacity and the quality of care he received before his death. “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.
NANS 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 review of an autopsy to establish the cause of death and determine whether negligence or shortcomings in medical care played a role. “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 confirmed that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu