Outcry In Ogun Psychiatric Hospital As Nursing Student Allegedly Attempts Suicide After Suspension
Tension has enveloped the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, following a disturbing incident involving a post-basic nursing student, Seyi Ogunjobi, who allegedly attempted to take his own life after being suspended under controversial circumstances.
Ogunjobi, who was said to be preparing for his final hospital examinations at the School of Mental Health Nursing/Post-Basic Psychiatry, was reportedly suspended by the hospital’s Medical Director and Provost, Dr Paul Agboola, amid allegations of verbal threats and intimidation.
Multiple sources within the facility told PUNCH Healthwise that the student had been subjected to sustained psychological distress, including humiliation and threats, leading up to his suspension.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the student left a suicide note before leaving his residence in a distressed state. Swift intervention by concerned colleagues and stakeholders, however, led to his timely rescue before he could carry out the act.
One of his colleagues, who requested anonymity to avoid victimisation, said, “He had been emotionally broken since last week. He faced repeated threats and humiliation. The suspension was the last straw.”
The provost, Dr Agboola, had earlier refuted claims of injustice during a press briefing, denying that the suspension was linked to any assault allegations.
He noted that the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Olayinka Majekodunmi, had admitted to using inappropriate language during an altercation with Ogunjobi on June 30, 2025, and was subsequently issued a warning letter. The language included insults such as “You’re stupid, you’re a bastard.”
Despite this admission, the panel chaired by Dr Agboola claimed Ogunjobi was inconsistent in his testimony and failed to prove he had been physically assaulted, resulting in his suspension as a “corrective measure.”
The decision has sparked widespread condemnation from nursing groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Aro chapter, and the Elegant Nurses Forum, who accused the hospital management of orchestrating a culture of fear and psychological repression.
In a press statement signed by its convener, Olamide Abiodun, the Elegant Nurses Forum described the suspension as an act of “deliberate cruelty,” alleging that Ogunjobi was forcibly removed from the ward by security operatives on the MD’s orders just days before his final examinations.
The group further appealed to international bodies including the International Council of Nurses and foreign governments to place travel restrictions on the embattled medical director, whom they accused of undermining the rights of student nurses and staff.
Similarly, NANNM, in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Oluwalegan Narcissus, alleged that the provost issued the suspension letter without waiting for the panel’s final report, thereby breaching due process.
The union condemned the decision to suspend the student while the doctor involved was merely cautioned.
“It is mind-boggling that the same provost admitted Majekodunmi used abusive words, yet dismissed credible testimonies regarding physical assault. This is administrative recklessness and a travesty of justice,” the statement read.
The union further accused the provost of a pattern of hostility and bias towards nurses and called for the immediate reversal of the suspension. It also urged regulatory bodies and the general public to hold the institution accountable.
“As a responsible professional association, we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice, abuse of authority, and psychological trauma being inflicted on our members,” the union stated.
As of press time, efforts to reach Dr Paul Agboola for further comments proved abortive.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
