Outrage as NYSC doctor allegedly dies after delay in approving sick leave

A 25-year-old medical doctor serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Wisdom Oghenetega Enakirerhi, has reportedly died after his request for a three-week sick leave was allegedly delayed, prompting widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved welfare for corps members.

According to reports, Dr. Enakirerhi became critically ill during his service year and repeatedly sought approval to travel home for specialised medical treatment. However, his application for sick leave was allegedly not approved for about three weeks.

The incident came to public attention after a medical practitioner, Dr Akpoyibo, shared details of the case on social media.

According to his account, the deceased, who spent seven years studying medicine and completed his mandatory one-year internship before joining the NYSC, was unable to access timely medical care because approval for his leave was delayed.

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Dr. Akpoyibo further alleged that the deceased’s father and brother, both medical doctors, appealed to the relevant authorities to allow him to return home for specialised treatment, but their request was not immediately granted.

He claimed that approval for the sick leave was eventually issued only a few days before the young doctor’s death.

The incident has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing grief and demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Several commentators have also renewed calls for reforms in the welfare system for corps members, urging the NYSC to establish faster and more responsive procedures for handling medical emergencies, particularly for healthcare professionals serving under the scheme.

As of the time of filing this report, the National Youth Service Corps had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations.

The reported incident has intensified concerns about the treatment and welfare of corps members, with stakeholders calling for measures to ensure that urgent medical cases receive prompt attention to prevent similar tragedies.