UNIOSUN Student Dies as Colleagues Allege Negligence, University Rejects Claims

A final-year UNIOSUN student, Grace Osunlakin, died after a medical emergency, prompting students to allege negligence by the university, while the institution denied the claims and ordered an investigation into the incident.

The death of a final-year student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Grace Osunlakin, has sparked widespread grief and controversy, with students accusing the institution of negligence while the university insists the allegations are inaccurate.

The incident drew strong reactions from students and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who claimed the deceased did not receive prompt medical attention during an emergency. They alleged that inadequate healthcare facilities and poor emergency response at the Ifetedo Campus may have contributed to her death. The student body called for a thorough investigation and demanded improvements to the university’s medical services.

In response, the university dismissed the claims that its medical centre refused to treat the student. According to the institution’s preliminary report, Grace, who had a known history of asthma, reportedly returned to her off-campus residence after her project defence and later developed health complications. UNIOSUN said she was never taken to the university health centre on the night of the incident but was instead rushed to a nearby community health facility before being transferred to another hospital, where doctors confirmed she had died.

The university expressed sympathy to the family and promised a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Management also maintained that it remains committed to student welfare and would investigate the incident thoroughly, adding that any staff found negligent would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

Following the incident, the university temporarily shut down its Ifetedo Campus to ease tensions and allow for an assessment of healthcare facilities, medical personnel and other welfare services. The move is expected to support ongoing investigations and the implementation of measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD