The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has confirmed the death of Etimbuk Daniel, the immediate past president of the Students' Union Government (SUG) at Akwa Ibom State University, at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Enugu State. The incident has sparked urgent calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the NANS president, announced the news in a public statement, describing the situation as deeply troubling and demanding full accountability. The confirmation came amid growing concerns about medical care at NYSC orientation camps across the country.
What Happened at the NYSC Camp
According to Afeez, Daniel complained of a headache at the camp and was given medication by camp medical personnel. His condition reportedly worsened after taking the drugs, and he asked to be taken to a hospital. The NANS president said the necessary approval came too late, and Daniel died before he could receive further medical attention.
A doctor who later reviewed the case reportedly identified the drugs that had been administered to Daniel as fake. Afeez described the allegations as deeply troubling and said they must be thoroughly investigated to establish exactly what led to the young man's death.
NANS Demands Accountability
In his statement, Afeez said the tragedy highlighted the threat that fake drugs continue to pose to lives across Nigeria, particularly to young people. He said the incident exposed gaps in medical care and oversight at NYSC orientation camps and called for stronger protective measures.
"The menace of fake drugs continues to pose a grave threat to lives in our society, and this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for accountability, proper medical care, and stronger measures to protect the lives of our young people," Afeez wrote.
The NANS president extended condolences to Daniel's family, colleagues, and the Akwa Ibom State University community. He said the association was in mourning and that its official position and further actions on the matter would be communicated in due course.
Broader Context of Student Leader Deaths
The incident comes amid a series of violent deaths involving student leaders in Nigeria. Legit.ng earlier reported that the community of Ekori in Cross River State was thrown into deep mourning after a violent cult clash claimed the life of 26-year-old Samuel Sampson Udo, a former SUG president of the Peace Institute of Management and Technology (Peace Poly), Abak.
Daniel's death at the NYSC camp raises serious questions about the quality of medical care provided to corps members and the prevalence of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. The NANS president's call for accountability suggests that the association may push for reforms in camp medical protocols and drug verification procedures.
The NYSC orientation camp in Enugu State has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. The NANS statement indicates that further actions will be announced as the association continues its mourning and investigation into the circumstances of Daniel's death.
