The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for a thorough investigation into the reported death of Etimbuk Daniel, the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Akwa Ibom State University, at a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Enugu State.
Daniel’s death has raised concerns over allegations that he was given fake medication after complaining of a headache and that delays in approving his transfer to a hospital prevented him from receiving further medical attention.
According to a statement attributed to NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, Daniel reportedly complained of a headache while at the orientation camp and was subsequently given medication.
His condition allegedly worsened after taking the drugs, prompting him to request a transfer to a hospital for further treatment.
However, Afeez claimed that the approval required for the transfer was delayed and that Daniel died before he could be taken to a hospital.
The NANS president further alleged that the association was informed that a doctor later identified the medication administered to the former student leader as fake.
The claims have not been independently verified, and the precise medical cause of Daniel’s death remains unclear.
Describing the incident as deeply troubling, NANS called for a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his death and determine whether any negligence or wrongdoing occurred.
The association also expressed concern over the potential dangers of counterfeit medication and the need to ensure that corps members receive appropriate medical attention when they fall ill during orientation exercises.
Afeez described Daniel’s death as a painful loss to the Nigerian student community and extended condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues and the entire Akwa Ibom State University community.
NANS said it would communicate further actions and its official position on the matter in due course.
The incident has renewed concerns about medical safety and emergency response procedures at NYSC orientation camps, with calls for the relevant authorities to clarify what happened and ensure that any established lapses are addressed.
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