Tension is mounting at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, following a disturbing incident involving a post-basic nursing student who allegedly attempted suicide after being suspended by the hospital’s Medical Director (MD).
According to reports, the student was forcibly removed from the ward by security personnel on the orders of the MD, just days before the hospital’s final examinations. The move has been described by the nursing community as “cruel and unacceptable,” especially within a medical institution meant to prioritize mental well-being.
In reaction, a coalition of nursing advocates has called for urgent international intervention. They appealed to the International Council of Nurses and foreign governments to impose travel bans and visa restrictions on the MD, accusing him of repeated abuse of office and systematic violation of the rights of nurses and students.
Meanwhile, the hospital chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has countered claims made during a press briefing by the hospital’s provost, who had insisted that no assault occurred during the incident.
In a statement exclusively obtained by journalists and signed by the union’s chairman, Comrade Oluwalegan Narcissus, NANNM accused the MD of chairing a biased investigative panel while actively suppressing contributions from other members. They further alleged that the provost issued the suspension letter without waiting for the panel’s findings.
The union also revealed that despite confessional statements by Dr. Olayinka Majekodunmi—the doctor accused of verbally abusing the student—and supporting testimonies, the hospital management merely issued a “strongly worded warning” to him while suspending the victim.
“It is mind-boggling that the provost rushed to issue a contradictory press statement to the public, even while credible evidence and testimonies pointed to misconduct,” the union said. “In one breath, he admits the doctor used foul language like ‘you are stupid, you are a bastard,’ and in another, he blames the student for not substantiating the claims. This is a clear web of lies and half-truths.”
The union also accused the provost of a pattern of hostility towards both staff and students, citing past incidents where union leaders were targeted after raising concerns about working conditions.
While emphasizing that NANNM supports fair disciplinary processes, the union condemned what it termed “administrative recklessness, bias, and a vindictive management style that has caused grave psychological harm to the student and tarnished the institution’s image.”
“As a responsible professional body, we cannot remain silent in the face of oppression, injustice, and administrative impunity,” the statement continued. “We demand the immediate reversal of the suspension and a fair review of the incident.”
The union called on relevant regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and the public to hold the hospital accountable and protect nurses and students from further abuse.
“We recognize that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the union concluded.
