Alumni petitions UNN over alleged unsafe training, death of pharmacy student

The Noble Foundation, an Alumni group from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has petitioned the University's governing council over the death of a final year student in the faculty as a result of the University's alleged negligence in training of students.

The Emeritus President of Noble Foundation Pharmacists, Pharm. Chidiebere Ugwu in the petition lamented the lack of Safety and Logistical Support For Student Pharmacists Undergoing Clinical Training at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla.

He alleged that it was the negligence that resulted in the recent death of a 600 level student that was undergoing unpalatable condition of training that led to his untimely death and made an urgent appeal for improved condition of training in the citadel of learning.

The group said, "We do respectfully submit this petition to express our deep concern regarding the unsafe conditions and inadequate logistical support faced by 600 level pharmacy students attending clinical training at UNTH, Ituku Ozalla. 

"Our attention was drawn by a devastating video clip about the death of a young 600 level pharmacy student, the gory video showed where his head was crushed, and his brain splattered all over the main road. 

"This boy could be your son or mine...he could have discovered the cure for cancer, he could have been the future President of Nigeria, and who knows whether he was the messiah we were all waiting for? Unfortunately, his dreams was cut short yesterday. Who knows the next victim of this avoidable circumstance?"

The group alleged that the student Pharmacists are subjected to serious challenges that compromise both their personal safety and academic performance, including but not limited to lack of accommodation infrastructure at Ituku-Ozalla for them.

The Alumni also disclosed that there is lack of adequate lighting in and around village premises where they rented "face me I face you" accomodations; Absence of school security personnel at the premises and unsafe transportation routes which led to the death of the student pharmacist, who was the only son of his parents.

"There is also lack of emergency response systems, insufficient Logistical Support as the coordinating Lecturers are resident at Nsukka campus and absence of basic amenities such as water, rest areas, and food services.

"These conditions not only hinder their ability to focus on clinical training but also pose serious risks to their health, well-being and life span. We believe that every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, especially when engaging in essential hands-on training that is critical to our professional development."

The group therefore requested for immediate assessment and risk analysis of safety conditions of Pharmacy students at Ituku-Ozalla; relocation of Pharmacy Students back to Nsukka campus immediately based on safety grounds and provision of reliable clinical training site temporarily within Nsukka and in long term expand the capability of the UNTH satellite location at Obukpa. 

They also demanded for establishment of basic support services, including accommodation, meal plans, and emergency care for student Pharmacists; and regular consultation with student class representatives to ensure ongoing feedback and improvement.

"We trust that the School Governing Council will treat this matter with the urgency, and seriousness it deserves. We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure that students can pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment."