A 300-level student of Havarde College of Science, Business, and Management Studies in Ogun State, identified as Ajoke, has reportedly taken her own life following alleged frustrations over the failure of the school to obtain accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Ajoke, according to sources, consumed insecticide on Monday evening and collapsed while en route to her boyfriend’s house. The tragic incident was attributed to the distress caused by the college’s inability to secure accreditation for its nursing courses, despite her dedication to studying Basic Medical Science.
This unfortunate event has cast a spotlight on the accreditation status of the private tertiary institution, which has been under scrutiny due to its ambiguous academic categorization. The college, known for admitting students to study professional courses like Law, Nursing, and Pharmacy, has faced criticism for its lack of clarity regarding accreditation and program offerings.
Concerns raised by students about the institution’s status have deepened anxiety and confusion among the student body, particularly regarding the validity of their academic pursuits.
Ajoke’s suicide has brought to the fore the profound impact of the accreditation issue on students’ mental health and well-being. According to sources close to her, she had been battling depression for several months, exacerbated by the realization that her nursing course might not lead to a recognized qualification.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Ajoke’s depression predated her pregnancy, with her mental state deteriorating as accreditation assurances from the college remained unfulfilled. The news of her pregnancy reportedly intensified her distress, ultimately leading to her tragic decision to end her life.
In response to the accreditation controversy, an enforcement team from the Ogun State Ministry of Health, accompanied by members of the State Nursing and Midwifery Committee, sealed the nursing department of the institution. The government reiterated the importance of NMCN accreditation for nursing programs, emphasizing that degrees obtained from unaccredited institutions would not be recognized for licensure.
However, the provost of Havarde College maintained that the suicide occurred outside the college premises and was solely linked to Ajoke’s pregnancy. He expressed condolences to her family but dismissed any connection between her death and the accreditation status of the nursing program.
While the circumstances surrounding Ajoke’s suicide continue to unfold, this tragic incident underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in educational institutions, particularly concerning accreditation and program integrity.
