FMC Abeokuta controversy deepens as two nursing students report alleged sexual misconduct during clinical posting
A controversy at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has deepened following allegations of sexual misconduct made by two student nurses against a hospital worker during their clinical posting.
The worker, identified as Ajayi Adebowale Alaba, has been accused by the students of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct while they were undergoing mandatory clinical training at the medical facility.
Ajayi, however, has not given a definitive admission or denial of the allegations. In an account reported by SaharaReporters, he said he did not understand what had come over him and indicated that he had been advised to seek specialist medical attention.
He reportedly confirmed that the specialist he was expected to see was a psychiatrist.
Ajayi's reference to psychiatric evaluation should not be interpreted as a medical diagnosis. No confirmed psychiatric condition has been established in the material surrounding the allegations, nor has any medical evidence been presented showing that a particular health condition caused the alleged conduct.
TWO STUDENTS RAISE COMPLAINTS
The complaints reportedly involve two students of the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences, who were posted to FMC Abeokuta for clinical training.
According to a report attributed to the students' union, the incidents allegedly occurred in the Male Medical Ward on September 23 and 24, 2026.
One of the students, identified as Okonkwo Goodness Chinecherem, reportedly complained about an incident during night duty on September 24.
According to her account, she was resting during a break when Ajayi, whom the students identified as a male porter, allegedly approached her and touched her buttocks without her consent.
She further alleged that he attempted additional sexual contact, including an attempt to insert a finger into her vagina.
The student reportedly told the union that the incident left her shocked and distressed and made her feel unsafe while performing her clinical duties.
SECOND STUDENT REPORTS SEPARATE INCIDENT
A second student, Aminu Olulabikunmi, reportedly presented a separate complaint concerning an incident said to have occurred on September 23.
According to the account contained in the students' union report, Aminu did not have a designated bed for resting during her break.
She reportedly said Ajayi offered his bed for her use while he slept elsewhere in the ward.
The student accepted the offer and reportedly lay down.
She alleged that Ajayi later returned and lay beside her while she was asleep. According to her account, he covered her with a cloth before allegedly making an inappropriate sexual advance.
Aminu reportedly said she immediately stopped the conduct and left the bed before subsequently reporting the matter to the students' union.
STUDENTS' UNION ESCALATES MATTER
Following the complaints, the Student Union Government reportedly documented the allegations in a report dated September 25, 2026.
The union said the students personally reported their experiences and provided individual accounts of the alleged incidents.
Because the complaints involved students carrying out clinical training within a medical facility, the union escalated the matter to the management of FMC Abeokuta.
The report was reportedly addressed to the Medical Director through relevant senior officials, including the Head of Clinical Services, Director of Nursing Services and Head of the Education Unit.
Copies were also reportedly sent to the relevant authorities at the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences.
The document was signed by student union officials, including the SUG President, Comrade Odedoyin M.A.; Senate President, Senator Muhammed A.S.; and Deputy Senate President, Senator Agemo A.
The union reportedly stressed the importance of ensuring that students could undertake their clinical responsibilities in an environment where their safety and dignity were protected.
CONTROVERSY OVER PROPOSED TRANSFER
Another issue that has emerged is an alleged plan to transfer Ajayi from the main FMC facility to Joga-Orile, an annex of the medical centre.
Ajayi reportedly confirmed that discussions concerning the proposed transfer were ongoing.
However, a source familiar with the situation reportedly expressed concern that transferring the worker could complicate the handling of the complaints and scrutiny surrounding the case.
The allegation that a transfer could shield Ajayi from investigation remains the position of the unnamed source and has not been established as fact.
A transfer, in itself, would not determine whether the allegations against the worker are true or false.
AJAYI SAYS HE IS SEEKING MEDICAL HELP
Amid the controversy, Ajayi reportedly said he had been attempting to consult a specialist at the hospital.
According to his account, doctors had spoken with him and advised him to seek further medical attention. He said industrial action had affected his ability to see the consultant.
When asked whether the specialist was a psychiatrist, he reportedly answered in the affirmative.
Ajayi also reportedly appealed for assistance, saying he did not understand what had happened or what had come over him.
His statements, however, did not amount to a clear admission of the allegations, nor did they constitute a straightforward denial.
INVESTIGATION NOW CRITICAL
The controversy has placed renewed attention on the responsibility of healthcare institutions to provide safe environments for students undergoing clinical training.
Nursing students often work long shifts, including night duties, and may have periods of rest while carrying out demanding clinical assignments. Such arrangements make clear professional boundaries and effective reporting mechanisms particularly important.
The allegations involving FMC Abeokuta therefore raise questions about how complaints involving students and hospital personnel are investigated and what measures are put in place to protect students while inquiries are ongoing.
The central issue now is whether the complaints will be subjected to a fair, transparent and thorough investigation.
Such an investigation would need to establish what occurred, hear from the students and the accused worker, examine any available evidence and determine whether any institutional or disciplinary action is warranted.
NO CONCLUSION YET
At the time of the reported developments, the allegations remain allegations.
The accounts attributed to the two students have not, by themselves, established criminal or disciplinary liability, while Ajayi's reported comments have not provided a definitive explanation of the alleged incidents.
Similarly, his decision or intention to seek psychiatric evaluation should not be treated as evidence of a psychiatric disorder or as proof that any alleged misconduct resulted from a medical condition.
What happens next — including any investigation by the hospital, the nursing school or relevant authorities — will be important in determining the facts of the matter.
For the students involved, however, the immediate concern remains their safety and ability to continue their clinical education without intimidation, harassment or inappropriate conduct.
The Federal Medical Centre, the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences and other relevant authorities are therefore expected to handle the matter with due process, protect all parties involved and ensure that any findings are based on evidence.
Until an investigation is concluded, the allegations against Ajayi should be treated as unproven claims, while the accounts of the students and the response of the accused remain subject to proper verification.
