The management of Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state, has reacted to the news trending on social media and other media outlets over the death of a cadet of the institution, Emmanuel Uhi, a 100 level student of the department of Civil Engineering.
The management debunked the report calling on the general public to disregard the information trending on social media and other media outlets that the said student died in the school health facility and that fake drugs were administered on him which led to his death.
The Acting Director Health Services, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Dr. Agagha Clarkson, disclosed that the cadet did come to the health centre and was attended to, but was diagnosed of a suspected COVID-19 related case as he had all the symptoms associated with the deadly virus.
Consequently, he was referred to Central Hospital Warri, where the hospital management awaiting his arrival, but was also given some medications to help sustain him until he arrive Central Hospital Warri.
The institution’s health director said the deceased and his colleagues abandoned the drugs at the jetty and embarked on the journey without his medication.
He further disclosed that the deceased went to lodge in a hotel in Warri where he went to Benin the next morning after dropping his blood sample for COVID-19 testing.
Couple of days later, the news of his death arrived campus which led to protest and destruction of facilities in the institution.
The Acting Director Health Services also debunked the news that expired drugs, drips and injections were administered on the deceased.
He stated that the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, is a federal government institution and as such there is no way government will supply its own institution expired or contaminated drugs, drips or injections.
The management of the institution had sent delegates to pay a condolence visit to the immediate family members of the deceased.
The state Epidemiologist was notified immediately who requested the patient be sent to the COVID 19 testing centre in Warri Central Hospital.
