Brickhall School in Kaura, Abuja, has reopened its doors for classes after a week-long closure to mourn the tragic passing of its four-year-old pupil, Miguel Ovoke.
The school management shared this update in a statement on Wednesday, expressing profound sorrow and extending sympathy to the family of the deceased.
The four-year-old student reportedly passed away during lunchtime in April.
Despite being rushed to Excel Specialist Hospital, Miguel was pronounced dead upon arrival due to complications from aspiration while feeding at school.
The hospital’s medical team confirmed this after examining him, saying, “the boy’s pupils were fixed and dilated with a nonreactive response to light”.
Ovoke’s death also prompted his parents to seek justice by contacting Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer.
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, the school management commiserated the boy’s family while extending “our support to all who loved Miguel”.
Brickhall School expressed deep sadness that despite the prompt response of “our dedicated staff and certified school nurse,” they were unable to save the pupil’s life.
The school also stated that they are collaborating with relevant bodies, including medical professionals and law enforcement, to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
The statement read, “We are devastated to report that Miguel tragically passed away on April 24, 2024, following a sad incident where he choked on a piece of meat offal from his meal brought from home, despite the immediate and expert care provided by our dedicated staff and certified school nurse.
“In response to this heart-wrenching event, we convened an urgent meeting with our school community on the day of the incident.
“Out of respect for Miguel’s memory and to honor his bright spirit, we suspended classes for over a week, allowing our community time to mourn and reflect on this profound loss.
“We have cooperated fully with the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough and compassionate resolution for everyone affected, especially Miguel’s grieving family.
“The leadership of both the school and the Parents Teacher’s Forum has personally visited Miguel’s family to offer our support and condolences during this indescribably difficult time. We stand with them in their grief and extend our support to all who loved Miguel—his friends, classmates, and our entire community.
“As our school resumes, particularly for students preparing for their Senior and Junior School Certificate examinations, we reaffirm our commitment to the well-being and education of all our students.
“We have continued to work closely with medical professionals, law enforcement, and Miguel’s family to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
“In these efforts, we strive for transparency and sensitivity, mindful that the narrative shared in public may not always capture the complexity of such a deeply personal and painful moment.
“As a school, we consider this a most tragic incident and continue to take steps to seek resolution.”
