ARO NURSING SCHOOL SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY OVER STUDENT’S CONTROVERSIAL DEATH

The management of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has announced the indefinite suspension of all academic activities at its School of Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing following the death of a student, Godwin Ayodeji Taiwo, which sparked unrest within the hospital community.

The Aro hospital suspends academic activities student death decision was conveyed in a notification dated October 20, 2026, and signed by Dr Taiwo Omirin, Coordinator of Programmes and Head of School, on behalf of the Acting Provost and Medical Director.

THE SUSPENSION

According to the notice, all students of the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 academic sets, including Master’s student nurses and those undergoing orientation, are affected by the suspension.

Resident students were directed to vacate the hostels with immediate effect.

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The management said the decision became necessary following Taiwo’s death, which reportedly triggered unrest within the hospital community.

“This decision follows the unfortunate demise of Student Nurse Godwin Ayodeji Taiwo, which has reportedly resulted in student unrest within the hospital community,” the letter stated.

The hospital said the suspension was intended to provide a peaceful and conducive environment for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. It urged affected students and stakeholders to remain calm and comply strictly with the directive pending further communication, while regretting any inconvenience caused.

THE DEATH

Taiwo, a Post-Basic nursing student who was said to be asthmatic, died at the institution under controversial circumstances.

Reports indicate that he developed breathing difficulties while playing football and was taken to the hospital’s General Medical Practice Unit for treatment.

A colleague alleged that oxygen was not administered to the student despite his deteriorating condition, though the circumstances surrounding his death have not been independently established.

His death sparked protests among fellow students, who alleged negligence in the handling of his medical emergency.

An eyewitness also alleged that Taiwo’s death was the second such incident this year, raising concerns among colleagues and students.

NANS CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Council, had earlier demanded an independent investigation into Taiwo’s death.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Habeebullahi Adekunle Tijani, NANS urged the hospital management to engage student representatives in dialogue and address their concerns, insisting that transparency and accountability were necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

The council also distanced itself from a planned protest over the incident, warning that individuals organising demonstrations in its name without authorisation did not represent its position.

“Students must be heard, accountability must be pursued, and the peace of Ogun State must be protected,” the council stated.

THE HOSPITAL’S INVESTIGATION

Before the suspension, the hospital management had confirmed that an investigation into Taiwo’s death was underway.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Ajibola Abiola, the management expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues and the nursing community.

The hospital assured students, staff and the public that the investigation would be expedited and conducted thoroughly, impartially and transparently in line with established procedures.

“We further assure all concerned that every necessary step will be taken to establish the facts, address any issues identified, and ensure that justice is served,” the statement read.

WHY IT MATTERS

The death of Godwin Ayodeji Taiwo is a tragedy that has exposed serious questions about emergency medical response at the institution.

If a nursing student—someone training to provide care, can die while receiving treatment at the hospital’s own medical unit, the implications for patients are deeply troubling.

The suspension of academic activities and the evacuation of students from hostels is a drastic measure. It signals that the management believes the situation is serious enough to warrant a shutdown.

But the students and the public deserve more than a suspension. They deserve answers. They deserve accountability. And they deserve assurance that no other student will die under similar circumstances.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the investigation is ongoing. The hospital has not stated when academic activities will resume.