Controversy over death of female Poly student

• School denies culpability as family, students fault pregnancy claim

Controversy has trailed the death of Ajayi Abimbola Adejoke, a female student of the Department of Leisure and Tourism, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State.

The 27-year-old student died in the school clinic on April 24, amid claims of negligence.Consequently, student bodies and family members have demanded for thorough investigation and justice.

The bodies in a letter jointly signed by the Student Union President of the Polytechnic, Thanni Damilare Abdullahi, Deputy Coordinator, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Southwest, Oloyede Hassan, Sports Director, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest, Bammeke Solomon and National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), National Treasurer, Folarin Israel Goodness, alleged that the incident was not an isolated one.

According to them, reports suggest a pattern of indifference and neglect towards students seeking medical attention in the institution. They claimed that despite being entrusted with the responsibility of providing medical care, the clinic staffs’ alleged disregard for human life has led to preventable tragedies.

The bodies called for a systemic change to ensure such tragic incidents do not reoccur in the future.

“Students should feel safe and assured that their health and well-being are prioritised when seeking medical assistance on campus.“The attempt by the school to cover up the incident by falsely claiming that the student was pregnant and using medications is deeply troubling.

“It highlights a disturbing trend where the school management prioritises protecting its reputation over welfare and truthfulness regarding students’ health and safety.

“This act of misinformation is not only unjust but also undermines the trust and confidence that students and the wider community have in the school administration.

It is unacceptable for the school to hastily conclude without conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s tragic demise,” they said.

The student bodies added: “It is high time relevant authorities intervened and held the school and its management accountable for their actions.

“There must be checks and balances in place to ensure that the interests of students are prioritised above all else, and that the truth prevails in matters concerning their well-being.

“The school must be compelled to conduct a transparent and unbiased investigation into the incident, and any wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the staff must be met with appropriate disciplinary measures.

“Also, there is an urgent need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Those found guilty of negligence must face appropriate penalties to deter future occurrences and uphold the sanctity of human life.

“The resolve of the student body is firm, as we stand united in our demand for justice.

“We refuse to accept complacency or indifference in the face of such grave injustices. The decision to confront this issue head-on reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.”

Reacting, the Medical Director of the institution’s clinic, Dr. B. M. Jesusina, said the late student was brought to the Medical Centre after complaining of abdominal pains during her practical class.

“Due to the nature of her case being an emergency, she was quickly attended to without requesting her clinic card as she was brought to the ward and assisted by the security guard on duty.

“One of our doctors quickly attended to her while vital signs (blood pressure and pulse) were taken by the nurses.

“Examination revealed a very pale lady (from loss of blood), unrecordable blood pressure and the pregnancy test was positive.

“A possible diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb) to rule out criminal abortion was made. She was quickly taken in the school ambulance with one of our nurses and her boyfriend to the closest private clinic where an urgent abdominal scan was carried out on her. Her parents were duly informed through her boyfriend and asked them to come to llaro.

“The scan revealed that she was pregnant and the baby in her womb was already dead, possibly from abortion to terminate the pregnancy.

“She was admitted at the private clinic, but her condition deteriorated beyond all medical interventions administered on her. She later gave up the ghost as all efforts to resuscitate her failed.”

Speaking with The Guardian, a brother to the deceased, Oluwaseun Ajayi, said: “My sister was not pregnant. She would have told me and my mother if she was. She never for once hid anything from me. We are still mourning her and don’t know the next line of action.

Also, President of the Senate, NANS, Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, said: “Despite claims by school authorities that Ajayi used drugs, medical scans have proven otherwise, exposing their attempt to falsify information and shift blame onto the victim.

“This blatant disregard for truth and manipulation of facts cannot be tolerated. We implore the government and human rights organisations to intervene swiftly and thoroughly investigate this matter to prevent further abuse and injustice in the future.

“Until justice is served and meaningful reforms are implemented, we will not rest. We stand united in our demand for accountability, transparency and respect for human life. The time for action is now.

“We also want to make it clear that if action is not taken promptly, we will not hesitate to take further measures. If necessary, we are prepared to mobilise and shut down the school until justice is served and meaningful reforms are implemented.”