The National Association of Nigerian Students has raised alarm over alleged delays in medical care for victims of a fatal road accident involving students of the University of Cross River State, which left four persons dead.
The association’s Joint Campus Council in Cross River State said the crash, which involved 24 students and a staff member, resulted in the death of three students and the institution’s driver, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the NANS JCC Chairman in the state, Victor Asuquo, expressed concern that some of the injured students were either denied or subjected to delayed treatment at a general hospital shortly after the incident.
He said officials of the student body visited hospitals where the victims were admitted and observed that while some were responding to treatment, others remained in critical condition.
“As a body, we are deeply worried by reports that some victims did not receive immediate medical attention.
In emergency situations, prompt healthcare response is non-negotiable,” the statement read.
NANS called on relevant authorities to investigate the alleged lapses and ensure such incidents do not recur.
The association, however, commended the management and staff of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and Arubah Specialist Hospital for their swift intervention and professionalism in handling the victims.
It also lauded the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Francisca Bassey, for visiting the injured students late into the night, describing the move as a demonstration of responsible leadership.
Meanwhile, the University of Cross River State community continues to mourn the victims of the crash.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Onen Ebri, the institution said the students, mostly members of the Students’ Union Government executive, were returning from an official engagement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when the accident occurred in Odukpani Local Government Area.
The deceased were identified as Solomon Uya, the Students’ Union Government Director of Sports; Lucky Erim, a Chemistry student and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association; and Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management.
The institution’s driver, Anthony Arikpo, also lost his life in the incident.
The university added that survivors are currently receiving treatment at various medical facilities, while the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris-Okey, monitored their condition through the night.
The management extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured injured students and their relatives of continued support and adequate medical care.
As part of mourning measures, NANS directed all student associations in the state to suspend social activities for seven days in honour of the deceased.