The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Council has demanded an independent investigation into the death of Taiwo Godwin, a student of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, while distancing itself from a planned protest over the incident.

The council urged the hospital management to engage student representatives in dialogue and provide clarification on the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death, insisting that accountability must be pursued without compromising peace in the state.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Habeebullahi Adekunle Tijani, NANS Ogun JCC said it had neither authorised nor planned any protest over the incident.

The council called on the Students’ Union and other recognised student unions in the institution to meet with the hospital management to present their demands and seek answers to questions surrounding the student’s death.

It also urged the management to demonstrate a willingness to listen to the students and address their concerns with the urgency and seriousness the situation deserved.

According to the council, constructive engagement, backed by a transparent and independent investigation, would help establish the facts, promote accountability and prevent further tension.

Tijani, however, warned individuals and groups against exploiting the incident for personal financial gain, stressing that the student’s death must not become a pretext for extortion, intimidation or other selfish interests.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NANS Ogun State JCC is not planning or authorising any protest over this incident. Any individuals or groups organising or threatening protests in the name of NANS Ogun JCC without the authorisation of its recognised leadership do not represent the Council or its position,” the statement said.

The council also urged security agencies to remain vigilant and take lawful action against anyone seeking to exploit the situation to cause disorder, engage in extortion or threaten public peace.

It maintained that the immediate priority should be a meeting involving the Students’ Union, other recognised student unions and the hospital management to address the students’ concerns and work towards a satisfactory resolution.

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

Meanwhile, the hospital management has announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death, which occurred while he was receiving treatment at its General Medical Practice Unit.

In a statement issued at the weekend, the hospital expressed sadness over the incident and assured students, staff and the public that the investigation would be thorough, impartial and transparent.

The statement, signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Abiola Ajibola, on behalf of the Acting Provost and Medical Director, said the management was committed to expediting the process in line with established procedures.

It added that necessary measures would be taken to establish the facts, address any issues identified and ensure justice.

“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.