Court Slams Abuja School with N100 Million Damages Over Student’s Death

A High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has ordered Louisville Girls Secondary School in Gwagwalada to pay N100 million in general damages for breaching its duty of care, which led to the death of a student.

The case was filed by Mr. Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim, who took legal action against the school following the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Kamzie.

In the case identified as CV/1738/18, Ikpeatusim accused the school of failing to provide timely and adequate medical care after Kamzie fell sick shortly after enrolling as a boarding student in September 2017.

Her condition worsened by October 2, and she passed away a few days later.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji, who presided over the matter, ruled that the school had indeed acted negligently.

He awarded N100 million as compensation, with an additional 10 percent interest on the sum, starting from April 8 until full payment is made.

The judge also granted an extra N300,000 to cover the cost of litigation.

In his judgment, Justice Oriji stated that the evidence proved the school failed in its responsibility to care for Kamzie’s health needs in a timely and appropriate manner.

“The claimant established his allegations of negligence against the school.

There is no amount of money that can bring back the child to life,” he said.

The judge also pointed out that one positive outcome of the case was the upgrade of the school’s medical facility, noting that the inclusion of doctors to attend to students twice a day was a meaningful improvement.

Although the claimant had requested the school be compelled to dedicate a building to Kamzie’s memory, Justice Oriji concluded that the changes made to the school’s healthcare system were a sufficient way of acknowledging her.

“The court thinks that the improvement in the sickbay, ensuring doctors are available twice daily, is in honour of Kamzie, as part of reforms recommended by her family.

The claimant should take solace in the fact that Kamzie has been honoured by the school through these improvements.”