Students of Osun State University’s Ifetedo Campus staged a protest on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation into the death of a 400-level Criminology and Security Studies student, Grace Osunlakin.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding her death have yet to be established, Osunlakin reportedly passed away after developing health complications on Wednesday evening.
The demonstration was driven by students’ dissatisfaction with what they described as the university medical facility’s poor response to the emergency.
Many of the protesters alleged that the deceased did not receive prompt medical attention after her condition worsened.
Speaking anonymously for fear of victimisation, one of the protesting students claimed that the campus medical centre shuts operations by 6:00 p.m. daily, making it difficult for students to access emergency healthcare outside operating hours.
“The college medical facility usually closes for the day by 6:00pm, and Osunlakin’s health deteriorated after the facility had closed for the day. If medical care had reached her early, probably, she would have survived.
“Most students are displeased with the way her health complications were handled. That is why we all came out to protest today.
Students are ready to go to any length to demand a change. Our belief is that negligence caused the death of our colleague,” the student said.
Responding to the incident, the management of Osun State University expressed sadness over the student’s death and announced the commencement of an investigation.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the university assured members of the public that the matter would be thoroughly examined.
“Management of Osun State University has received with deep sorrow the reports surrounding the unfortunate death of one of its students in the College of Law.
This painful development has understandably generated concerns among students, parents, stakeholders, and members of the public.
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We wish to state unequivocally that the university is taking the matter with the utmost seriousness and has commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read partly.
The university also sympathised with the deceased student’s family, friends, colleagues, the College of Law, and the wider university community, pledging to uncover the facts behind the incident.
“If it is established that any medical personnel or member of staff acted negligently or failed in their professional responsibilities, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in line with the university’s regulations and extant laws.
“We appeal to our students, parents, and stakeholders to remain calm and allow the ongoing investigation to run its full course.
We also urge everyone to refrain from speculation or actions that may compromise the integrity of the process,” the statement further read.
Following the protest, the university announced the indefinite closure of the Ifetedo Campus.
Explaining the decision, Adesoji said the closure was intended to ease tensions among students while allowing the institution to carry out a comprehensive review of healthcare services, medical personnel, and water supply facilities on the campus.
“The decision to close the campus indefinitely was taken after careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the aim of allowing emotions to settle among students and creating room for a comprehensive assessment of healthcare facilities, medical personnel, and water supply systems within the Ifetedo Campus.
“The management explained that the measure forms part of broader efforts to address longstanding challenges associated with the campus and to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of all students and staff.”
The university reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a full assessment of the situation and implementing necessary measures to prevent a recurrence.