NUT clarifies cause of death of Ogbomoso teacher, dismisses reports of student attack

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has refuted viral reports claiming that a teacher at Soun High School, Ogbomoso, Mr Fatai Adegoke, was attacked and killed by his students while trying to stop them from gambling during school hours.

In a statement signed by the State Secretary of NUT, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, the union described the earlier media reports as misleading and unsubstantiated. It clarified that Mr Adegoke did not die from any student attack but from a long-term cancer-related illness he had battled for years.

According to the NUT, findings from its independent investigation revealed that the late teacher had been receiving medical treatment for cancer before his death. The statement also noted that family members of the deceased confirmed the illness as the true cause of death during his burial and subsequent fidau prayers.

“A reliable information gathered by the NUT through diligent search and investigation showed that Mr Fatai Adegoke died of a cancer-related illness which he had nursed for quite an age, as against various opinions being peddled by social media bloggers,” the statement read.

The union further explained that Mr Adegoke received financial and moral support from colleagues and stakeholders in the education sector, including the NUT Ogbomoso Zone, ANCOPSS, and TESCOM, who contributed funds to offset his hospital bills while he was receiving treatment at Florence Hospital and later at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.

“It was recorded that a huge amount of money was donated by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogbomoso zone, to cushion the effect of his medical bills while at Florence Hospital before he was transferred to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital for advanced medical treatment. Sadly, it pleased God to take his life,” the statement added.

The NUT urged the public and media practitioners to verify facts before circulating sensitive stories, especially those capable of damaging reputations or causing panic within the education community.

“We wish to advise the public, including social media users, to engage in adequate fact-checking before publishing or sharing news. This will help reduce the spread of misleading stories,” Olukayode cautioned.

While commiserating with Mr Adegoke’s family, colleagues, and students, the NUT prayed for the repose of his soul, describing him as a dedicated and disciplined educator who served with integrity.

Efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, for further comments were unsuccessful as of press time.