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After 600-level pharmacy student Idoko David Ikechukwu passed away, an alumni organisation affiliated with the Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) petitioned the Governing Council of the institution.
The departed was his parents’ only son.
You may remember that David was hurt in one of the several accidents involving a cement truck and other vehicles that happened last weekend in Enugu.
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A group of former students and faculty from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences known as the Noble Foundation Pharmacists are now outraged by the news.
The Alumni Group proposed solutions to the problem of needless deaths.
It was quite worried about the 600-level pharmacy students at UNTH, Ituku Ozalla, who were doing clinical training in dangerous conditions with little logistical assistance.
In their grieving over the student’s untimely demise, the alumni asked, “How can we use our future scientists to test run a program without Logistical Support and inadequate safety measures?” The petition was signed by Pharm Chidiebere Ugwu, Emeritus President.
It was said that the student chemists were put through hell because of the obstacles they had to overcome, which affected their safety and their grades.
Among the many problems that the students are experiencing is the lack of adequate housing options at Ituku Ozalla.
“The rented village premises do not have sufficient lighting—look at me, look at you;”
“There is no one from the school’s security detail on site.
The sole son of the parents was just lost due to unsafe transportation routes.
“No mechanisms in place to deal with emergencies.
Since the coordinating professors live on the Nsukka campus, there is a lack of logistical support.
“No access to essential services like running water, restrooms, and food.”
Their health, longevity, and capacity to concentrate on clinical training were all deemed to be jeopardised by such conditions, according to the report.
Immediate evaluation and risk analysis of Ituku Ozalla’s pharmacy students’ safety conditions were emphasised.
“Relocation of Pharmacy Students back to Nsukka campus immediately based on safety grounds” was one of the other solutions proposed by the alumni organisation.
The short-term goal is to establish a dependable clinical training facility in Nsukka, while the long-term goal is to enhance the UNTH satellite site in Obukpa.
Basic support services, such as housing, food programs, and access to medical treatment in an emergency, should be put in place for student chemists.
“Monthly meetings with student representatives from each class to discuss ways to enhance the learning experience.”
The alumni declared their commitment to working together to create a safe and supportive environment for students to complete their studies, while also expressing optimism that the Governing Council would approach the situation with the seriousness and urgency it warranted.
Professor C.S. Nworu, dean of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has addressed the Alumni’s letter.
The tragedy was attributed by the Dean to careless drivers and poor road conditions.
After expressing gratitude to the Alumni for their assistance, Nworu stated that the student’s tragic demise “is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our young people in a challenging environment.”
“Safeguarding our students, strengthening our programmes, and improving their welfare and learning conditions” were his final words as he summed up the institution’s unwavering dedication.