An 11-year-old student, UfokObong Godwin, of Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, died on 5 April under disputed circumstances. His family alleges he suffered a neck injury from an assault by a senior student after refusing to hand over provisions, leading to blood clot complications. Social media posts claim the school treated him without informing his parents and sent him home without disclosure. School authorities dispute the timeline, with Principal Ezeogu Jude stating the boy visited the college clinic, resumed normal activities, and left school on 17 March after examinations. The Vice Principal (Administration), Hassan Adamu, declined comment, citing lack of authority. The school plans an official statement after a meeting with the School-Based Management Committee on 9 April. Some teachers, speaking anonymously, said an incident occurred on 14 March involving a stomach injury, but the student was examined, found stable, and showed no complications before leaving school.
The delayed public response from Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene raises concerns about transparency in student health and safety protocols. Nigerian students in federal schools may face risks when incidents are not promptly reported or properly documented by authorities.
