Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has launched an investigation into the death of a 400-level student, Osunlakin Grace.
The university also ordered a review of healthcare services across its campuses after concerns over student welfare and emergency response increased.
The decision followed a meeting between university management and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the incident and discussed gaps in campus medical care.
They also examined weaknesses in emergency response systems. Meanwhile, the student’s death has sparked concern across the university community. In addition, it has renewed debate on how Nigerian universities handle medical emergencies for students on and off campus.
NANS Southwest Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, said student welfare and safety remain the group’s top priority. Furthermore, he explained that the association will continue engaging university authorities on student concerns.
He also stressed that student safety must not suffer neglect under any circumstance.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Odunayo Adebooye described the death as a painful loss to the university community. As a result, he said the institution will investigate the incident thoroughly and strengthen its emergency response system.
At the same time, UNIOSUN has begun upgrading its healthcare system across campuses. For example, the university plans to build a new health centre at the Ifetedo Campus and upgrade existing facilities in other locations.
In addition, all campus health centres will now run on a 24-hour basis. Management said this will improve access to emergency care at all times. Similarly, the university will install solar power systems to reduce service disruptions caused by electricity failures.
Furthermore, UNIOSUN will deploy ambulances across campuses to improve emergency response time. The institution also plans to recruit more doctors and nurses in order to strengthen healthcare delivery.
During the meeting, the Students’ Union President, Oremokun Shedrack, presented several demands. Specifically, students called for 24-hour medical services, better-equipped health centres, and stronger emergency response systems.
In addition, they demanded rehabilitation of existing facilities and a review of health insurance processes. They also asked for the reopening of the welfare portal and improved healthcare support in surrounding communities.
In response, Vice-Chancellor Adebooye said the university will implement most of the demands within available resources. However, he noted that external healthcare infrastructure falls under state and federal government responsibility.
Consequently, UNIOSUN has set up a committee to investigate the death of Osunlakin Grace and review healthcare services across campuses.
The panel includes student representatives and university officials. Moreover, the committee will submit its report within one week, starting June 29, 2026.
Meanwhile, the university has reopened the student welfare portal. It also announced that academic activities will resume within two weeks. According to management, the break will allow time for hostel fumigation and sanitation.
However, the university rejected claims of negligence. It stated that staff did not treat the student at the university health centre before her death.
According to the institution, she complained of stomach pain at her residence and later received care at a community health centre in Ikija, Ifetedo, where she was confirmed dead. In addition, an Oro traditional ritual restricted movement in the area at the time, which affected emergency transport.
Finally, the incident has increased calls for stronger healthcare systems in Nigerian universities. Consequently, student groups continue to demand faster reforms, better facilities, and improved emergency response across campuses.
