Abuja school resumes after shutting for a week over 4-year-old pupil’s death

The management of Brickhall School in Kaura, Abuja, has resumed classes a week after its closure to mourn the death of its pupil Miguel Ovoke.

The four-year-old pupil was reported to have died during feeding hours in April.

Ovoke was pronounced dead upon arrival at Excel Specialist Hospital, following complications during his lunch.

He was brought to the hospital “on account of aspiration on meat while feeding at school”.

The hospital said upon examination, the medical team found that “the boy’s pupils were fixed and dilated with a nonreactive response to light”.

Ovoke’s death also prompted his parents to seek justice by contacting Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer.

But reacting in a statement on Wednesday, the school management consoled the boy’s family while extending “our support to all who loved Miguel”.

Brickhall expressed sadness that despite the prompt response of “our dedicated staff and certified school nurse,” the pupil’s life could not be saved.

The school added that it is working with the relevant bodies including medical professionals, and law enforcement, to “clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragedy”.

“We are devastated to report that Miguel tragically passed away on April 24, 2024, following a sad incident where he choked on a piece of meat offal from his meal brought from home, despite the immediate and expert care provided by our dedicated staff and certified school nurse,” the statement reads in part.

“In response to this heart-wrenching event, we convened an urgent meeting with our school community on the day of the incident.

“Out of respect for Miguel’s memory and to honor his bright spirit, we suspended classes for over a week, allowing our community time to mourn and reflect on this profound loss.

“We have cooperated fully with the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough and compassionate resolution for everyone affected, especially Miguel’s grieving family.

“The leadership of both the school and the Parents Teacher’s Forum has personally visited Miguel’s family to offer our support and condolences during this indescribably difficult time. We stand with them in their grief and extend our support to all who loved Miguel—his friends, classmates, and our entire community.

“As our school resumes, particularly for students preparing for their Senior and Junior School Certificate examinations, we reaffirm our commitment to the well-being and education of all our students.

“We have continued to work closely with medical professionals, law enforcement, and Miguel’s family to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

“In these efforts, we strive for transparency and sensitivity, mindful that the narrative shared in public may not always capture the complexity of such a deeply personal and painful moment.

“As a school, we consider this a most tragic incident and continue to take steps to seek resolution.”