Nasarawa State University Debunks Viral Ambulance Video, Says It Has Two Functional Modern Ambulances
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has dismissed a viral social media video portraying an old Peugeot 505 station wagon branded with the University's name as its only ambulance, describing the footage as misleading and an attempt to ridicule the institution.
Philip22
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has dismissed a viral social media video portraying an old Peugeot 505 station wagon branded with the University's name as its only ambulance, describing the footage as misleading and an attempt to ridicule the institution.
The video, which circulated on TikTok with the caption "God Abeg", featured an old Peugeot 505 station wagon bearing the inscription "Nasarawa State University Ambulance."
In response, the University explained that the vehicle is an old, retired utility wagon that has been repurposed for internal campus operations and the movement of materials. It stressed that the vehicle is no longer used as its primary emergency ambulance.
According to the University, its Health Services currently operates two newer and functional ambulances dedicated to emergency response.
The two ambulances include:
- Modern Toyota Hiace Ambulance
The University disclosed that its Health Services now has a modern Toyota Hiace ambulance equipped with contemporary medical fittings. The vehicle is stationed at the University Health Centre and is available for emergency response.
- Ambulance Donated by the School of Postgraduate Studies
The second ambulance was donated by the School of Postgraduate Studies, Nasarawa State University. The donation demonstrates the contribution of internal academic units towards strengthening the University's healthcare infrastructure.
The University maintained that the old Peugeot station wagon has been retained for secondary utility purposes rather than being used as its main emergency response vehicle.
Innovation Through Sustainable Resource Management
Addressing the criticism surrounding the viral video, the University explained that innovation should not necessarily involve discarding old assets that can still serve useful purposes.
It identified sustainable resource management as one of the principles guiding its approach to institutional development.
According to the institution, repurposing the old utility vehicle for internal campus operations reflects responsible asset management rather than institutional neglect.
The University also highlighted the importance of partnerships in improving institutional infrastructure, noting that support from external agencies and internal academic units has contributed to strengthening its healthcare services.
It further referenced the contribution of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which it said donated a modern ambulance to the institution.
The University explained that its management, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, has continued to explore alternative sources of support, including government agencies, alumni and internal university departments.
Strengthening the University's Healthcare System
Beyond the provision of ambulances, NSUK stated that its healthcare delivery system includes a functional University Health Centre staffed by medical professionals.
The institution also identified the following components of its healthcare system:
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A functional University Health Centre.
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Medical doctors and nurses providing healthcare services.
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A referral arrangement with the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi.
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Emergency response protocols for addressing medical situations.
It explained that the ambulances form part of a broader healthcare delivery structure designed to protect the health and safety of students and staff.
University Challenges Critics to Contribute to Institutional Development
In its response, the University questioned the contributions of individuals who circulated the viral video, arguing that constructive criticism should focus on identifying challenges and proposing practical solutions rather than ridiculing the institution.
It raised several questions about public participation in improving the University's healthcare services:
- Have they donated even a first aid box to the University Health Centre?
- Have they participated in the University's health outreach programmes?
- Have they joined the Centre for Gender Studies in advocating better healthcare for women in crisis?
- Have they volunteered to support the cleaning and maintenance of the Health Centre?
The University maintained that social media criticism should encourage accountability and development rather than undermine institutional progress.
It also encouraged students to consider practical ways of improving healthcare delivery, including developing proposals for support from non-governmental organisations and attracting additional resources to the institution.
NSUK Reaffirms Commitment to Institutional Growth
Concluding its response, Nasarawa State University described itself as a growing institution that, like other developing universities, maintains both old and modern assets for different operational purposes.
It insisted that the viral video presented an incomplete picture of its healthcare infrastructure by focusing on an old utility vehicle while overlooking its two newer functional ambulances and existing healthcare facilities.
The University therefore urged students, parents, stakeholders and members of the general public to disregard what it described as the misleading portrayal of its ambulance services.
It reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring the safety of members of its University community.
The institution further acknowledged that, although it is not without challenges, it remains committed to continuous development, describing its progress as evidence of innovation and institutional growth.
