The resolution was adopted during plenary on Thursday, October 15, following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. Daniel, the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Akwa Ibom State University, reportedly died while participating in the mandatory three-week NYSC orientation programme.

The Senate directed its Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The investigation is expected to determine what happened at the camp, establish whether there were failures in the medical response and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

Bassey expressed sorrow over Daniel’s death, describing him as a promising young Nigerian who had entered the national service programme with the intention of contributing to the country’s development.

He also raised concerns about the availability of qualified medical personnel, the condition of healthcare facilities and the effectiveness of emergency referral arrangements at NYSC orientation camps.

According to reports cited during the debate, Daniel complained of a headache and was reportedly given medication at the camp clinic. His condition allegedly worsened afterwards, prompting a request for hospital treatment.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had earlier alleged that the medication administered to him was fake and that approval for his transfer to a hospital came too late. These claims have not been established as official findings and are among the issues requiring investigation.

Bassey argued that the incident underscored the responsibility of relevant authorities to protect the welfare of young graduates participating in national service, particularly those deployed away from their families and familiar surroundings.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the senator stressed that the security and welfare of citizens should remain a primary responsibility of government.

He called for a thorough review of healthcare arrangements across NYSC camps, including access to qualified health professionals, essential medical supplies and functional emergency referral systems.

The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, seconded the motion.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, also expressed condolences to Daniel’s family, the Akwa Ibom State University community and the people of Akwa Ibom State. He urged the committees to produce practical recommendations that could help prevent similar deaths.

Following the debate, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.

Daniel’s death has renewed attention on the medical support available to corps members during orientation exercises, when participants undertake physical activities and other camp programmes before deployment to their places of primary assignment.

The outcome of the Senate investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances of Daniel’s death, determine whether any lapses occurred and identify steps needed to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency response across NYSC orientation camps.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia