A High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has awarded a total of ₦100.3 million in damages against Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagwalada, over the tragic death of a 9-year-old boarding student, Kamzie, following gross negligence of medical care.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Justice Sylvanus Oriji found the school guilty of failing in its duty of care. The judge ruled that Kamzie’s deteriorating health was not attended to with the urgency required, which ultimately led to her untimely death, just weeks after admission in September 2017.
In suit CV/1738/18, filed by Kamzie’s grieving father, Mr. Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim, the court awarded:
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₦100 million in general damages
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₦300,000 as cost of action
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10% interest on the judgment sum until full payment is made
While acknowledging that “no amount of money can bring back a lost child,” Justice Oriji emphasized that institutions owe a legal and moral duty of care to every child under their watch.
The court also noted commendable improvements made by the school post-tragedy, including the appointment of medical doctors who now attend to students twice daily. The judge described these steps as a form of “honour” to Kamzie’s memory.
Although Mr. Ikpeatusim had requested a school structure be named after Kamzie, the judge instead advised the father to find comfort in the reforms made — which were partly inspired by the family’s advocacy.
This judgment sets a significant legal precedent in Nigeria’s education and child protection landscape, reinforcing that schools will be held accountable for negligence under the law.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor this story and bring you updates on similar education-related rulings across the nation.
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