Following the tragic passing of student Abimbola Ajayi, the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro in Ogun State has clarified that the cause of death was pregnancy-related complications and not negligence on the part of the institution’s clinic.
In response to claims from some students suggesting negligence by the clinic, the Sports Director of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest, Bameke Solomon, who is also an HND II student of Quantity Surveying at the school, shared that the clinic had delayed attending to Ajayi without promptly considering her identity and medical cards.
Student Union President, Damilare Thanni, supported the allegations of time wastage in requesting Ajayi’s medical card from the medical staff.
However, the Director of Medical Services at the institution provided a medical report stating that the deceased was brought to the clinic from a practical class with a complaint of abdominal pains.
The report also mentioned that the student’s boyfriend accompanied her and confirmed her pregnancy status.
A statement signed by the Deputy Registrar of Public Relations, Mr. Sola Abiala, clarified, “Realizing the complexity of the case, the clinic made a swift decision to refer her to a private hospital in town. She was transported to the hospital in one of the institution’s ambulances, accompanied by a nurse and her boyfriend.”
“Her parents were informed promptly, and they arrived in Ilaro.
“The polytechnic acknowledges the tragic incident and extends condolences to the parents. It’s crucial to emphasize that Miss Ajayi’s passing was not due to clinic negligence but rather pregnancy-related complications.
“Dr. Mikhail. Akinde, the Rector, on behalf of the management, staff, and students, expresses condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of the deceased. We pray for her soul to rest in peace.”
The Dean of Student Affairs at the institution, Dr. J. O. Omowunmi, confirmed that Ajayi’s parents took her remains back home in the polytechnic’s ambulance.