The death of Taiwo Godwin Ayodeji, a post-basic nursing student at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has sparked concern over alleged lapses in emergency medical care after he reportedly suffered an asthma attack at the facility.

Ayodeji, who was said to have a history of asthma, reportedly developed breathing difficulties while playing football and was taken to the hospital’s emergency unit for treatment.

According to an eyewitness account, the nurse was still able to walk into the hospital when he arrived with a friend who accompanied him.

However, the witness alleged that although Ayodeji was placed on oxygen equipment, the oxygen supply was not switched on.

“I noticed he was on oxygen, but the oxygen was not put on,” the source was quoted as saying.

The eyewitness further alleged that Ayodeji’s condition deteriorated before medical personnel attended to him, leaving him with a weak pulse and dilated pupils. Attempts to secure his airway were reportedly unsuccessful, and he was subsequently pronounced dead.

The allegations have raised questions about the emergency response provided to the deceased. However, the precise circumstances surrounding his death, including whether any lapse in care occurred, have not been independently established.

The source also claimed that Ayodeji’s death was the second involving a nurse from the same school at the facility this year, a development said to have heightened concerns among colleagues and students.

Reacting to the incident, the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, confirmed Ayodeji’s death and announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Ajibola Joseph Oluwatoyin Abiola, on behalf of the Acting Provost and Medical Director, the management said it was saddened by the loss.

“The management extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues, fellow students, and the entire nursing community over this painful loss,” the statement read.

The hospital said an investigation was ongoing and assured staff, students and members of the public that the process would be thorough, impartial and transparent.

It also appealed for calm, urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed.

“We remain committed to patient safety, professional accountability and the highest standards of care,” the statement added.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to help establish the sequence of events leading to Ayodeji’s death and address the allegations surrounding the emergency treatment he received.

Until the findings are made public, the claim that the oxygen supply was not activated remains an allegation, and no official conclusion has been announced regarding the cause of death or whether medical negligence occurred.