The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has denied allegations of negligence surrounding the death of a final-year student, Grace Osunlakin, describing circulating claims on social media as misleading.
Osunlakin, a 400-level student of Criminology and Security Studies at the Ifetedo Campus, reportedly passed away under circumstances that have sparked concern and protests among students.
Reacting to the incident, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, expressed deep sorrow, describing the student’s death as “painful and deeply heartbreaking.”
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor extended condolences to the bereaved family, the university community, and students.
He urged calm among students and the public while authorities review the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
Adeleke also directed the Ministry of Education to collaborate with the university to conduct a comprehensive review of healthcare services across all campuses, with the aim of improving emergency response systems and access to quality medical care.
Meanwhile, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, clarified that Osunlakin was not treated at the institution’s medical facility on the day of her death.
According to him, she had earlier participated actively in her final-year project defence and showed no visible signs of illness while on campus.
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Adesoji noted that the student, who had a known history of asthma documented since her first year, returned to her off-campus residence after her academic activities.
Later that evening, she reportedly complained of stomach pain after attending a Christian fellowship.
Accounts from her roommate and coursemate revealed that her condition worsened at night, prompting efforts to seek medical help.
However, movement within the community was reportedly restricted due to an unannounced Oro ritual, which made transportation difficult.
Despite these challenges, she was eventually transported on a motorcycle to a nearby community health centre, where she lost consciousness and was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Further confirmation at a specialist hospital also indicated that she was brought in dead.
The university maintained that at no point during the incident was Osunlakin taken to the university health centre, reiterating its commitment to transparency in the ongoing review.
Her death has since triggered protests among students in Ifetedo, with calls for improved healthcare services and accountability within the institution.
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