The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for a thorough investigation into the death of Etimbuk Daniel, the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Akwa Ibom State University, following allegations that he was administered fake medication at a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Enugu State. NANS president, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, disclosed the circumstances in a statement on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Alleged Fake Drugs and Delayed Medical Care
According to Afeez, Daniel complained of a headache while at the orientation camp and was given medication. However, his condition reportedly worsened after he took the drugs. The former student leader subsequently requested to be taken to a hospital, but the approval for his transfer came too late, and he died before receiving further medical attention.
Afeez further claimed that a doctor later identified the medication administered to Daniel as fake, raising concerns about the safety of drugs at NYSC camps. “We were further informed that the doctor later identified the drugs administered to him as fake. These are deeply troubling allegations that require a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his tragic death,” he said.
NANS Calls for Accountability
Reacting to the incident, Afeez described Daniel’s death as a painful loss to the student community and extended condolences to Daniel’s family, friends, colleagues, Akwa Ibom State University, and the wider student community. He called for accountability and a thorough investigation to establish what happened and determine the circumstances that led to Daniel’s death.
The allegations concerning the drugs and the reported delay in accessing medical care have not been independently verified. The incident has raised questions about the procedures for securing emergency medical attention at orientation camps and the quality of medication administered to corps members.
Broader Concerns and Next Steps
The death has sparked concerns among students and stakeholders about the adequacy of medical facilities and emergency response protocols at NYSC orientation camps across the country. NANS’s call for an investigation aims to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future and that those responsible are held accountable.
As of now, no official statement has been released by the NYSC or the Enugu State authorities regarding the incident. NANS has urged relevant agencies to expedite the investigation and provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death, ensuring that justice is served for the late student leader.
