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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned alleged negligence in student safety and demanded answers from the management of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos, following the death of an HND 1 student, Mr. Miracle Orlu.
In a Thursday statement signed by NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade David Obidah, the association said it received with “deep shock” reports that the student fell from a three-storey hostel and later died after being in a coma at CMS General Hospital.
NANS said the incident raises serious concerns about the institution’s security and emergency response system.
According to the student body, the victim was allegedly left unattended for a long time despite the presence of CCTV cameras in the college.
The body was reportedly discovered only when another student went to retrieve clothes spread out to dry.
“Security personnel then arrived, reviewed the CCTV footage and found the incident had occurred much earlier.
“If these reports are accurate, such a lapse amounts to negligence that must be thoroughly investigated,” NANS stated.
The association stressed that CCTV cameras “are not decorative” and must serve real-time monitoring and prompt emergency response.
“A surveillance system that records an incident without triggering an immediate intervention fails to fulfill its purpose,” it stressed.
NANS said institutions have a primary responsibility to provide quality education, welfare, and security for students, and that “any failure in this regard is unacceptable.”
The association emphasised that it holds the college management accountable for ensuring adequate security structures, emergency response mechanisms and supervision.
“This issue will not be swept under the carpet nor dismissed as an unfortunate occurrence without holding the institution responsible and accountable,” NANS said.
The student body called on relevant security agencies to conduct a “transparent and impartial investigation” to ensure justice and prevent a recurrence.
NANS also gave the college management 48 hours to “publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident and address the concerns raised by students and the general public.”
It also demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident; a comprehensive review of the college’s security and emergency response system, including the operational effectiveness of its CCTV monitoring unit; and a detailed report explaining why the victim wasn’t discovered immediately despite CCTV surveillance.
The student body extended condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“We pray that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives the bereaved family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss,” the statement said.
The association said it is monitoring developments and maintaining communication with stakeholders, adding that “the safety, welfare and protection of all Nigerian students across the globe remains our utmost priority.”
Efforts made to seek clarification from the institution’s management were unsuccessful as of press time as a phone number provided on the college’s website indicated it did not exist when called.
