The Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) has responded to circulating reports about the recent death of a student, Fejiro Sharon Oteri, clarifying that its Health Centre provides 24-hour medical services and was actively in operation when the incident occurred.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FUOYE’s Directorate of Health Services, Dr. Musibau Olawale, issued a statement dated April 10 addressing the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate loss.
He explained that Oteri, a student in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, was brought into the university clinic by her colleagues around 11:30 a.m. on April 8, after collapsing during academic activities.
According to Olawale, “Oteri, a student of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, was rushed into the clinic by her colleagues, having reportedly collapsed during their academic activities. She was immediately attended to as an emergency by the doctor on duty, along with other health care workers, who made efforts to resuscitate her.”
He further explained that the student showed no signs of breathing or pulse and had unresponsive pupils upon arrival. Despite this, the medical team initiated emergency care, including basic life support measures. As part of the effort to save her life, she was transported in the university ambulance—accompanied by medical personnel—to a tertiary medical facility for further treatment.
“The patient was accompanied by medical personnel in the university ambulance around 11:40am. The Director of Health Services followed the matter, alongside some lecturers from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, including the HOD, who were also witnesses to the medical efforts instituted,” he added.
Dr. Olawale also responded to rumors suggesting the health centre is non-functional at night. He clarified that the incident occurred in the morning, not at night as speculated, and stressed that the health centre operates around the clock, even on weekends and during breaks.
He noted that since 2013, the university has maintained a roster that ensures a doctor, nurse, ambulance driver, and other essential health staff are available at all times. “The allegation that there’s usually no medical staff on duty at night at the University Clinic is unfounded,” he stated. “The duty rosters of the doctors, nurses, and other health personnel are there for all who care to have a look at them.”
In addition, he provided insight into Oteri’s condition before arriving at the clinic. There were reports of convulsions following her collapse in a laboratory and again during the journey to the clinic. “There was a history of convulsion secondary to the fall in the laboratory, where the deceased student collapsed,” he explained.
Dr. Olawale also noted that the clinic is equipped with essential equipment and maintains a constant power supply using a solar inverter and a dedicated generator. The facility, he said, remains functional even when students are off-campus.
While the university acknowledged the tragedy of losing a young student, they urged the public to disregard misinformation. “The loss was an unfortunate incident as we know the pains of losing a loved one, moreso, in her prime. We sincerely sympathize with the family and loved ones,” the statement read.
