The tragic incident that took place at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has highlighted the shortcomings in health services offered by the institution’s medical centre. The death of Ayodele, a first-year Agricultural Economics and Farm Management student, sparked outrage among protesters who denounced the inadequate treatment received at the infirmary.
Ayodele was apparently suffering from asthma and was taken to the university health center on Wednesday June 19, 2024. Unfortunately, he died in the consultation room, which deeply shocked the student community.
Angry students gathered outside the university gate on Thursday, June 20 to express their frustration with the state of university medical services. According to an anonymous witness, Ayodele’s treatment was delayed due to the absence of her ID card, sparking protests and calls for improved health services on campus.
One student said: “The negligence of the staff is shocking. They delayed Ayodele’s treatment from 1 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. and he was pronounced dead around 10 p.m., simply because he did not have his ID card. C “This is the third such incident in three months due to poor service.” These comments highlight the extent of the health problems encountered by students on campus.
In support of the FUNAAB students, Meshack Nwankwo, the president of the university’s Students’ Union, said the protest was aimed at highlighting the poor services offered at the health center. He clarified that his information was based on the testimonies of those present with Ayodele at the hospital.
“Our protest is aimed at improving services at the clinic. Ayodele was unconscious upon arrival and upon examination, he was found to be deceased. We are seeking better health care standards,” Nwankwo said. This statement encapsulates students’ legitimate quest for quality health care on campus.
In an attempt to address protesters’ concerns, FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor Olusola Kehinde said Ayodele was admitted to the infirmary in critical condition and staff tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him.
“His friends, seeing him struggling to breathe, tried to help him by putting a spoon in his mouth and pouring water on him. At the health center, two nurses and a doctor checked for a pulse and a heartbeat of heart, in vain. His pupils being dilated, this indicates that he was dead on arrival,” Kehinde said.
This tragic event at FUNAAB highlights the critical importance of improving health services within academic institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of students. It highlights the need for increased vigilance and higher standards of health care to avoid such tragedies in the future.