The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has faulted the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, over the death of a medical student, Adewole Oreoluwa Emmanuel, describing the incident as a result of gross negligence and poor emergency preparedness.
Oreoluwa, a Part 4 student of the College of Health Sciences, reportedly collapsed and died on April 23 while waiting to take an oral examination after complaining of chest pains. His death has sparked grief and renewed concern within the university community.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Coordinator, Ogunjimi Isaac, and National Mobilisation Officer, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, the ERC said efforts by fellow students to save his life were unsuccessful due to the absence of basic emergency equipment.
The group claimed that essential lifesaving tools were not available at the time of the incident, raising questions about the university’s readiness to handle medical emergencies within its own health sciences faculty.
It further alleged that when an ambulance eventually arrived, it came without oxygen and lacked a stretcher, describing the situation as a serious institutional failure.
According to the ERC, the student’s life could have been saved if there had been prompt medical intervention and proper equipment on ground.
The group also criticised the university authorities under Vice Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire, accusing them of failing to prioritise student welfare despite the fees paid by students.
Beyond the medical emergency, the ERC also raised broader concerns about conditions on campus, including transportation challenges, accommodation issues, and what it described as the exploitation of students through high-cost academic materials.
It also faulted the Students’ Union leadership, accusing it of not taking a strong enough stance in holding the management accountable over the incident and other welfare-related issues.
The group said the union’s response treated the tragedy as routine, instead of pushing for structural changes to prevent a recurrence.
ERC called for urgent improvements in health and emergency facilities within the institution, warning that continued neglect could lead to further avoidable deaths.
It also urged the Students’ Union to convene an emergency congress where students can openly discuss the incident and other pressing welfare concerns, including transportation, hostel arrangements, and academic costs.
According to the group, such a meeting is necessary to develop collective demands aimed at improving conditions on campus and ensuring student safety is prioritised.
