A student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has raised serious concerns over alleged medical negligence at the university’s health facility, popularly known as the OAU Health Centre. The student, who identified herself as Esther, from the Department which was not disclosed, took to social media and student platforms to share her ordeal, warning: “If anything happens to me, please hold OAU Health Centre responsible.”
According to her account, the problem started in early April 2025 when she began experiencing chest pain. Hoping to receive prompt and professional medical attention, she visited the university clinic. However, she claimed that after a brief consultation, she was diagnosed with ulcer without any diagnostic tests being conducted. She was prescribed some drugs and asked to purchase Gecrol, an antacid medication, which she did.
Unfortunately, her health deteriorated in the days that followed. Esther explained that she returned to the clinic the following week, still in pain. Rather than conducting further medical evaluations or tests, the clinic reportedly prescribed malaria drugs. She completed the medication but soon developed a new set of symptoms, including eye turning, dizziness, chronic headache, and severe eye pain.
Alarmed by these escalating symptoms, Esther said she revisited the health centre. This time, she was referred to an eye specialist. After a consultation, the eye specialist allegedly found no structural issues with her eyes but still recommended an eye drop. The exact purpose of the prescription remains unclear to her, as her symptoms persisted.
Speaking with The Nigeria Education News team, who followed up the incident with a phone call, a 300 level student described her experience as traumatic and emotionally draining. “she kept going back, hoping they would take her seriously. Each time, she left feeling worse. They didn’t run tests; they just gave her random drugs,” the student lamented.
The OAU Health Centre has faced criticisms from students over the years regarding the quality of healthcare services. Many students have complained about lack of thorough medical examinations, poor diagnostic processes, and what they describe as trial-and-error treatment methods.
One of the student stakeholders on campus, who also spoke to The Nigeria Education News, confirmed that Esther’s case is not an isolated incident. “We have received similar complaints in the past. Some students allege that the health centre tends to downplay serious symptoms,” the stakeholder said.
When The Nigeria Education News contacted the OAU Health Centre for comments, officials declined to respond directly to Esther’s specific case but promised to investigate the allegations. One senior staff member who spoke off record said, “We are committed to student welfare, but sometimes there are challenges with resources. That said, every complaint is taken seriously.”
Medical experts contacted by The Nigeria Education News stressed that chest pain is a critical symptom that should never be dismissed without proper diagnostic procedures such as ECG, blood tests, or chest imaging. Treating chest pain as ulcer without investigation can lead to life-threatening outcomes, they warned.
Esther’s case has since sparked wider conversations on OAU campuses about the quality of healthcare in Nigerian universities. Students have begun calling for reforms, demanding that health centres in federal institutions be held to higher standards.
Meanwhile, Esther says she is still battling with her symptoms. She is currently seeking further medical care outside the university system, but she fears that irreversible damage may have already been done. “I just want to get better. I don’t want another student to go through this,” she said in a weak but determined voice.
As of now, the university management has not released an official statement regarding the case. However, students, activists, and health observers continue to monitor the situation closely, urging for transparency and systemic healthcare improvements in Nigerian campuses.
