Akure, Nigeria —Tension gripped the campus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) as students staged a protest on Friday, mourning the untimely passing of Akeredolu Ayomide, a final-year student in the institution.
Ayomide tragically collapsed and passed away on Thursday evening, prompting an outpouring of grief and frustration among the student body.
The protest took a dramatic turn as students blocked the busy Akure/Ilesha road for an extended period, causing severe traffic congestion along the route. Commuters and travelers found themselves stranded amidst the unexpected gridlock, as the protest action disrupted the normal flow of traffic.
Efforts by certain members of the institution’s management to appeal to the protesting students were met with resistance. The students were steadfast in their allegations that the university’s medical center was ill-equipped and lacking in essential facilities. This perceived deficiency, they claimed, played a role in the tragic demise of Ayomide.
The Director of Corporate Communication at the institution, Adegbenro Adebanjo, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Despite exhaustive attempts to resuscitate Ayomide at the school’s health center, his passing remains a tragic event that has left the institution in mourning.
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In an official statement released and signed by Adebanjo, he called upon the agitated students to maintain composure and cease their ongoing protests. He assured them that their concerns and grievances would be addressed with utmost seriousness.
Adebanjo’s statement read: “the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA mourns the sudden demise of one of our students, Ayomide Akeredolu, who died on Thursday, August 24, 2023, in the course of a sudden bout of illness.
“From reports pieced together, Ayomide Akeredolu slumped in his hostel and all attempts and medical intervention at resuscitation even at the Health Centre failed with the doctors recording that he was brought in dead.
According to the doctor on duty, “The student was rushed to the Health Centre at about 8:50 pm on Thursday 24th August 2023. 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.
“May the Good Lord grant his soul eternal repose and give the family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.
He added that because of certain concerns regarding services at the University Health Centre, students initiated a protest on Friday, August 25, 2023.
“The Representatives of the students, at a meeting with management called at the behest of the Vice Chancellor, pointed out some lacuna 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 lacuna 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. Again we commiserate with the family of our beloved student and pray for comfort from the Lord,” the doctor added.
The protest sheds light on the pressing concerns surrounding the medical facilities within the university and underscores the need for improved resources to ensure the well-being of students. As the FUTA community mourns the loss of a promising student, the administration faces mounting pressure to address the grievances raised by the students during this impactful demonstration.