Court orders Abuja school to pay N100m over pupil’s death
An Abuja High Court has awarded N100 million in damages against Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagwalada, over the death of a nine-year-old student, Kamzie Ikpeatusim.
The court found the school negligent in providing adequate medical care, which led to the child’s death.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji delivered the ruling on Tuesday in a suit filed by the girl’s father, Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim.
He alleged that shortly after Kamzie was admitted as a boarding student in September 2017, she fell seriously ill by October 2 and died a few days later due to the school’s failure to provide timely medical attention.
The court held that the school and its staff failed in their duty of care and were negligent in handling Kamzie’s health needs.
“The claimant established his allegations of negligence against the school.
There is no amount of money that can bring back the child to life,” Justice Oriji stated.
In addition to the N100 million general damages, the judge ordered a 10 percent annual interest on the amount from April 8 until it is fully paid.
He also awarded N300,000 as the cost of the suit.
Justice Oriji acknowledged that the school has since made improvements to its healthcare facilities, including ensuring doctors are available to students twice daily.
He said these reforms were in line with the family’s recommendations and could be seen as a way of honouring Kamzie’s memory.
The claimant had also requested that a school facility be named after her.
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