The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) expresses deep concern over the indefinite suspension of a student nurse, Joy Ezeugwu, by the management of Ezzy College of Nursing, Enugu, following her viral video exposing the deplorable state of healthcare facilities at the Uwani Health Centre, Enugu.
Miss Ezeugwu, a student nurse driven by professional conscience and civic responsibility, brought to public attention the alarming lack of basic medical infrastructure at the facility, including absence of electricity, water supply, and oxygen equipment. These are not luxury provisions, but fundamental requirements for any functional healthcare centre.
Her action, rather than being commended as an act of whistleblowing in the public interest, has instead been met with punitive measures. The decision to suspend her indefinitely raises serious concerns about institutional intolerance for transparency and accountability, particularly within sectors as critical as healthcare.
FOSAD strongly asserts that silencing individuals who expose systemic failures only deepens the crisis and undermines efforts toward reform. Healthcare professionals, including students in training, must be encouraged not punished for upholding ethical standards and advocating for patient welfare.
We therefore call on the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, to urgently intervene in this matter by:
- Facilitating the immediate reinstatement of Joy Ezeugwu into Ezzy College of Nursing, without prejudice or victimization.
- Ordering a comprehensive investigation into the conditions at Uwani Health Centre, particularly the reported absence of electricity, water, and oxygen supply.
- Initiating immediate remedial actions to address the infrastructural decay and ensure that the facility meets minimum operational standards required for safe and effective healthcare delivery.
- Establishing protections for whistleblowers within the healthcare and educational systems to encourage transparency and accountability.
This situation is not merely about one student; it reflects a broader systemic challenge that demands urgent attention. The health and lives of citizens depend on the functionality of our healthcare institutions. Ignoring such revelations or punishing those who bring them to light is both counterproductive and dangerous.
We urge the Enugu State Government to act decisively and demonstrate leadership that prioritizes truth, justice, and the well-being of its people.
Signed:
Dr Stephen Nwala
President, Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General, Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
www.fosads.org
