Daud Olatunji
The Provost and Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Paul Agboola, has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding the alleged assault of a nursing student, Oluwaseyi Ogunjobi, by the hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Oluyinka Majekodunmi.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Dr. Agboola denied any attempt by the hospital management to victimize or suppress students and staff, following days of protest by aggrieved nursing students who accused the management of shielding Majekodunmi and unjustly suspending the student.
The students, joined by some staff members, had staged demonstrations and blocked the hospital gate last week in protest against Ogunjobi’s suspension after he alleged physical and verbal assault by Majekodunmi.
Dr. Agboola, who described Ogunjobi as “a son,” clarified that he was not in the state during the incident. He explained that he was in Abuja at the time, working with federal officials on staff welfare matters, including the clearance of unpaid salaries for 80 hospital employees and ensuring their inclusion in the government’s promotion exercise.
“I was in Abuja at the Attorney-General’s office working on salary capture for 80 staff, of which 77 have now been cleared,” he said. “From there, I moved to the Head of Service’s office to ensure our staff were included in the promotion exercise. I returned to find this crisis already brewing.”
While reaffirming his commitment to justice and transparency, the Provost said the student’s father had reached out to him privately and expressed appreciation for his mature handling of the matter.
“I received a message from the boy’s father, thanking me for treating the matter with a fatherly approach and pleading that justice be tempered with mercy,” he revealed.
Panel Investigations Reveal No Evidence of Physical Assault
The hospital’s management had constituted a disciplinary panel to probe the incident, following widespread uproar. The findings of the panel were submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health, the hospital’s supervising authority.
Addressing the panel’s report, the Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Kafayat Majolagbe, disclosed that while the student alleged he was physically assaulted—pushed and hit with a chair—by Dr. Majekodunmi, the evidence did not support this claim.
“The student’s witness admitted he wasn’t present during the incident and could not confirm the alleged physical assault. No other staff member testified to witnessing any physical contact,” she said.
However, Majolagbe confirmed that verbal abuse occurred during the altercation.
“Multiple witnesses testified that Dr. Majekodunmi used derogatory language such as ‘you are stupid’ and ‘you are a bastard’ toward the student. Dr. Majekodunmi himself did not deny making those statements during the panel hearing,” she added.
No Governing Board, Ministry Supervises Outcome
With the hospital currently operating without a governing board, Dr. Agboola said the institution has submitted the case findings to the Federal Ministry of Health for appropriate action.
“I met with the Minister of State for Health, and he emphasized that law and order must be maintained. We are accountable to the ministry,” he stated.
To further ensure fairness, Dr. Agboola said he has contacted the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Mr. Dandy Al-Hassan, as advised by the minister, in case any party seeks independent review.
“We are open to involving the nursing regulatory body if the nursing union or student association believes there is any bias. We have nothing to hide,” he assured.
Suspension Not Punishment, But Discipline—Provost
Clarifying the nature of Ogunjobi’s suspension, the Provost said it was not intended as a punishment, but rather as a corrective step to enforce discipline within the institution.
“It’s not about revenge or victimization. It’s about discipline and moulding character. We are shaping future professionals, and character development is as critical as clinical knowledge,” Dr. Agboola stated.
As of press time, the hospital remains calm, though some students have continued to express dissatisfaction with the outcome of the investigation and the management’s handling of the matter.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the hospital management is planning further engagements with student leaders and staff representatives in a bid to restore confidence and academic normalcy.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
