OSOGBO, Osun State — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to visit Osun State University (UNIOSUN) following the death of a final-year student and growing concerns over student welfare and healthcare services on campus.
The student body’s leadership confirmed the planned visit on Saturday, stating that it would engage with university management to demand answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and to address broader issues affecting the welfare of students at the institution.
According to student sources, the deceased final-year student reportedly passed away after an illness that raised questions about the adequacy of healthcare services available to students on campus. The incident has sparked protests and demands for improved medical facilities and emergency response protocols at the university.
NANS leadership expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called on the university administration to provide a full account of the incident. The association also demanded an immediate review of healthcare services across all campuses of the university to prevent future occurrences.
The student body further called on the Osun State Government and the Federal Government to prioritise the health and welfare of students in tertiary institutions across the country. The association argued that inadequate healthcare facilities in universities have become a recurring issue that demands urgent attention from policymakers.
The death of the student has reignited debates about the state of healthcare in Nigerian universities, with many student leaders and civil society organisations calling for a comprehensive overhaul of medical services in tertiary institutions. Critics have pointed to a lack of functional clinics, insufficient medical personnel, and poor emergency response systems as systemic failures that have cost many young lives.
UNIOSUN, like many public universities in Nigeria, has faced challenges in providing adequate healthcare to its students. While the university operates a health centre, students have complained about long waiting times, shortages of essential drugs, and the absence of specialised care. Many students have reportedly resorted to seeking treatment at private hospitals outside the campus, which is often unaffordable for those from low-income backgrounds.
The NANS delegation is expected to meet with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior officials of the university to discuss these concerns. The association has also indicated that it may extend its visit to include other institutions in the state if similar issues are identified.
As of press time, the management of UNIOSUN had not issued an official statement on the matter. However, university sources indicated that the administration is cooperating with student leaders and relevant authorities to address the concerns raised.
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of student welfare in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with stakeholders calling on the government to increase funding for education and ensure that students have access to quality healthcare, accommodation, and other essential services.
For now, the UNIOSUN community awaits the outcome of the NANS visit, while the family of the deceased student continues to mourn their loss. The death serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need to prioritise the well-being of students in Nigeria’s higher education system.
