How final-year FUTA student, Akeredolu collapses, died few days to graduation exams

Frustrated students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), located in Ondo state, brought academic activities to a halt on Friday. The students organized a protest by blocking the main entrance of the school, expressing their anger over the passing of a fellow student, Ayomide Akeredolu, a final year student.

Akeredolu, a 500 Level student, reportedly collapsed within the halls of residence. Despite immediate efforts to transport him to the institution’s health center, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. His tragic demise ignited the ire of the students, leading them to occupy the front of the school along the Akure/Ilesha express road for several hours.

As a result of the demonstration, commuters and drivers traveling the highway were forced to seek alternative routes.

The protesting students alleged that Akeredolu’s death was linked to the inadequate facilities in the school’s health center. An eyewitness and student of the school stated, “He (Akeredolu) slumped while in his hostel at Akindeko Hall of residence and was rushed to the University Health Centre (a proposed University Teaching Hospital), due to the lack of basic amenities, he lost his life at the university clinic.”

The student, speaking on condition of anonymity to Daily Trust, shared that a similar incident had occurred at the clinic prior to Akeredolu’s passing.

“We rushed him to the health centre around 8:30 pm. When we got there, there was a power outage, and throughout the oxygen setup, CPR, and injections they gave him, the light wasn’t restored. We had to use our flashlights. It was also hard to believe that there is no backup power supply.”

“In light of the incident, the health center refused to attend to another student, a former FUTASU Vice President who was in a critical condition and needed emergency attention but because she wasn’t with her ID CARD, no one attended to her.”

However, the university’s management swiftly responded by refuting claims that Akeredolu had passed away at the clinic. The management expressed condolences to the bereaved family while stating that Akeredolu was brought in already deceased.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Adegbenro Adebanjo, the management clarified that the protest was not directly linked to the student’s death. Adebanjo added that the students met with the management, and immediate steps were being taken to address the concerns raised about the clinic.

The statement reads, “He was brought in dead. Efforts to resuscitate him through Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and oxygen therapy proved abortive. He was subsequently taken to the UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Akure, by the medical personnel on duty inside the University ambulance.”

“Understandably, his friends and colleagues are devastated by the sad development. The management joins them in mourning at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with our students and the bereaved family.”

“It is important to point out that the protest was not directly related to the death of the student. The representatives of the students, at a meeting with Management called at the behest of the Vice Chancellor, pointed out some lacunae in the process of accessing services at the Health Centre. The Management, in the course of the meeting, directed that immediate remedial measures be taken to address the lacunae and other issues raised by the students.”

“The corrective measures will be reviewed from time to time to ensure that they are being implemented to the letter, and satisfaction of the students.”