A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Abuja has awarded N100 million in general damages against Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagwalada, for negligence that led to the death of a 9-year-old student, Kamzie Ikpeatusim.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji, who presided over the matter, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, ruling that the school failed in its duty of care by not providing adequate medical attention to the student, resulting in her untimely death.
The suit, marked CV/1738/18, was filed by Mr. Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim, the father of the deceased, who accused the school of gross negligence. According to the claimant, Kamzie was admitted as a boarding student in September 2017 but fell ill by October 2. The school allegedly delayed appropriate medical intervention, and she died a few days later.
“There is no amount of money that can bring back the child to life,”; Justice Oriji stated, adding that the court found merit in the plaintiff's claims and awarded an additional N300,000 as the cost of the suit. He also ordered a 10 percent interest on the N100 million judgment sum from April 8 until full payment is made.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji emphasized that the evidence presented confirmed that the school and its staff acted negligently by failing to respond promptly and adequately to Kamzie’s deteriorating health condition.
Although the claimant requested that the school names one of its structures after Kamzie as a memorial, the judge acknowledged the school’s efforts to improve its sickbay since the tragic incident. He noted that doctors now attend to students twice daily—a development he described as commendable.
“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,”; Justice Oriji stated.
