AKSU mourns ex-SUG president who died at NYSC camp

Etim Ekpimah

The death of former Akwa Ibom State University Students’ Union Government President, Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, at a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Enugu State has plunged his former colleagues and members of the university community into mourning.

Daniel’s reported death, following a complaint of a headache, has left those grieving his loss seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his final hours.

According to accounts circulating about the incident, the former student leader initially complained of a headache and was given medication. His condition reportedly deteriorated afterwards, raising questions about the treatment he received and the response to his illness.

There are also allegations that Daniel sought hospital attention but did not receive it promptly. He reportedly died before he could obtain further medical care.

Other claims suggest that a doctor subsequently identified the medication administered to him as fake. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and the precise cause of his death remains unclear.

For members of the AKSU community, the loss is particularly painful because Daniel had served as the students’ union president, a position that placed him at the centre of student representation and campus affairs.

His death has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of young Nigerians who leave their familiar environments to begin new chapters of their lives, including participation in the mandatory national service programme.

The orientation camp is intended to prepare graduates for the year-long national service, bringing together young Nigerians from different backgrounds. News of a participant’s death under such circumstances naturally raises concerns about access to prompt medical attention when illness occurs.

A thorough investigation would help establish what happened before Daniel’s death, including the medication he received, the medical assistance available to him and whether there was any delay in obtaining treatment.

The NYSC authorities and camp management should clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident, while relevant medical personnel should be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

As his former colleagues and loved ones come to terms with the loss, the questions surrounding his final hours remain unanswered.

For his family and friends, the immediate concern is the loss of a loved one. For the wider university community, his death is a painful reminder of how abruptly life can change and of the importance of ensuring that anyone who falls ill receives timely and appropriate medical attention.