A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Tuesday awarded N100 million in general damages against Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagwalada, over its failure to fulfil its duty of care, which led to the death of a student.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji, who presided over the case filed by Mr. Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim, held the school responsible for negligence that resulted in the tragic passing of his 9-year-old daughter, Kamzie.
In addition to the damages, the court imposed a 10 per cent interest on the judgment sum from April 8 until it is fully paid. The judge also awarded N300,000 as the cost of the suit.
The case, with suit number CV/1738/18, was instituted by Ikpeatusim, who accused the school of failing to provide prompt and adequate medical care after Kamzie became ill shortly after joining the school as a boarder in September 2017. Her health deteriorated rapidly by October 2, and she died within days.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Oriji concluded that the school and its staff acted negligently in handling Kamzie’s medical condition.
“The claimant established his allegations of negligence against the school,” the judge declared.
“There is no amount of money that can bring back the child to life,” he added.
While noting the irreversible loss, Oriji pointed out a silver lining—acknowledging that the school’s sickbay had seen notable improvements since the incident, including the regular presence of doctors twice daily.
The court also addressed the claimant’s request for a school facility to be named after Kamzie. Oriji declined the plea, emphasizing that the reforms to the school’s healthcare system were a meaningful tribute.
“The court is of the opinion 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 judge said.
“The claimant should take solace in the fact that Kamzie has been honoured by the school through these improvements.”
