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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
There is growing confusion and outrage in Oyo State following the death of a teacher at Soun High School, Mr. Fatai Adegoke, under controversial circumstances.
Initial reports claimed that Adegoke was brutally attacked by some students after he attempted to stop them from gambling during school hours. The incident allegedly left him with severe injuries, including broken limbs. He was said to have been rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
A statement issued by a group of concerned educators condemned the act, describing it as “a horrifying assault on the teaching profession.
Meanwhile ,the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has refuted the viral reports claiming that the teacher 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, Salami B. Olukayode, the union described the earlier media reports as misleading and unsubstantiated. It clarified that 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 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 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.
