Ogun Surgeon Denies Assault Allegation Against Nursing Student

Dr. Nurudeen Adekunle, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Ogun State Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta, has categorically denied allegations of slapping a male nursing student during a recent incident in the hospital’s operating theatre. The claims emerged last month and prompted protests from the Ogun State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, which called for disciplinary action against the surgeon.

Dr. Adekunle clarified that he did not engage in any physical altercation with the nursing student. He explained that his actions were a disciplinary measure following the student’s alleged rude behaviour during a teaching session in the operating theatre. "On my surgery day, I was preparing to operate on three patients and took the opportunity to teach the students present, both medical and nursing. During this time, a male nursing student acted rudely, although he later claimed it was a joke. I corrected him, stressing the importance of respect towards senior practitioners," he stated.

The surgeon emphasized that his hand was on the student’s shoulder when he asked him to leave the theatre and that he released him shortly thereafter. "Four days later, I began hearing rumours that I slapped him, which is completely untrue," he added.

Dr. Adekunle condemned the spread of misinformation surrounding the incident, noting that some online accounts falsely reported that he had slapped a female nurse instead. "The individual involved is a 21-year-old male nursing student. I believed I could correct him when he made a mistake, but I did not slap him," he reiterated.

Following the allegations, the hospital's Chief Medical Director conducted an investigation, which reportedly found no evidence to support the claims against Dr. Adekunle. Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Ogun State, supported the surgeon's account, stating, "There was no physical altercation; this is an incident blown out of proportion."

As the situation unfolds, the Ogun State health community remains focused on addressing the implications of the incident while promoting respectful interactions among healthcare professionals.