A High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory has awarded N100 million in general damages to Mr. Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim, whose 9-year-old daughter, Kamzie Ikpeatusim, tragically died due to what the court described as gross negligence by her school.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji, who presided over the case, ruled that Louisville Girls Secondary School, located in Gwagwalada, failed in its duty of care by not providing prompt and adequate medical attention to the young student, leading to her untimely death.

The court’s decision followed a lawsuit filed by Mr. Ikpeatusim, who alleged that the school’s negligence and lack of immediate medical response contributed directly to the death of his daughter. After reviewing the evidence, the court agreed, concluding that the school failed to act with the urgency required when the child first showed signs of medical distress.

“The school’s failure to promptly provide adequate medical care to Kamzie Ikpeatusim is a clear breach of its duty of care. This negligence resulted in avoidable and irreparable loss,” Justice Oriji stated in the judgment delivered on Tuesday.

While delivering the verdict, the court also acknowledged that Louisville Girls Secondary School had since made improvements to its healthcare facilities, including upgrading its sickbay and deploying qualified medical personnel. However, Justice Oriji maintained that the upgrades, though commendable, did not absolve the school of its responsibility for the incident.

“This ruling serves not only as justice for the deceased but also as a warning to educational institutions on the importance of safeguarding student welfare,” the judge added.

The case has sparked widespread attention and renewed debate around the standards of healthcare and emergency preparedness in Nigerian schools. Many parents and child rights advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of health and safety regulations in educational institutions across the country.

Mr. Ikpeatusim, visibly emotional after the ruling, expressed relief that the court acknowledged the preventable nature of his daughter’s death. “No amount of money can bring my daughter back, but this decision ensures that her death will not be in vain,” he said.

Louisville Girls Secondary School is yet to issue an official response to the ruling.