The Ondo State Command of the Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a chemist shop proprietor, Adigun Kazeem, in connection with the alleged collection of blood samples from new students at CAC Adu Memorial Secondary School in Akure, the state capital. According to the NSCDC, Kazeem's chemist shop was allegedly used for collecting blood samples from students. The incident has sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged blood testing.
The NSCDC has also interrogated the principal of CAC Adu Memorial Secondary School, Mrs Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide, who made a written statement about the incident. The principal reportedly denied the school's involvement in the alleged blood testing, citing a ban on the practice by the Ministry of Education. The NSCDC is working to establish the facts surrounding the incident and identify all parties involved.
An investigation by the NSCDC revealed that a laboratory, Zion-Gate Medical Diagnosis Service, was used to analyze the blood samples. The command has retrieved a copy of the laboratory results, which showed that the blood samples were collected and analyzed, with results provided to students the following day. The NSCDC is still searching for Mr Olugbenga Foge, who is reportedly in charge of the laboratory aspect of the operation.
The incident came to light after the NSCDC received a call from the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on September 21. A team was dispatched to the school to investigate the allegations, and it was discovered that a kiosk/chemist shop near the school was used to collect blood samples from students. The NSCDC is working to track down all individuals involved in the incident.
The Ondo Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has disowned the alleged blood testing, stating that it is not a requirement for admission to the school. The ministry's spokesperson, Bisi Lawani, issued a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that the ministry does not condone the practice. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the state.
The NSCDC has confirmed that Adigun Kazeem, the chemist shop owner, is in custody and is assisting with the investigation. The command hopes that Kazeem's testimony will help track down Mr Olugbenga Foge and any other individuals connected to the case. The incident is ongoing, with further investigations and actions expected.
The alleged blood testing has sparked widespread concern and debate in the state, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency in the education sector. The incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of schools and educational institutions to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key points
- A chemist shop proprietor, Adigun Kazeem, has been arrested in connection with the alleged collection of blood samples from new students at CAC Adu Memorial Secondary School in Akure, Ondo State.
- The principal of the school, Mrs Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide, has been interrogated and made a written statement about the incident, denying the school's involvement in the alleged blood testing.
- The NSCDC is still searching for Mr Olugbenga Foge, who is reportedly in charge of the laboratory aspect of the operation.
