A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagwalada, to pay N100 million in damages for negligence that led to the death of a 9-year-old student, Kamzie Ikpeatusim.
The court’s ruling on Tuesday follows a lawsuit filed by the girl’s father, Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim, who alleged that the school failed to provide adequate medical care when Kamzie fell ill shortly after her admission in September 2017.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji, delivering the judgment, emphasized that the school’s failure to act promptly and sufficiently contributed to the student’s death.
“The claimant established his allegations of negligence against the school,” Justice Oriji stated. He also ordered the school to pay 10% interest on the judgment sum from April 8 until full payment and an additional N300,000 in legal costs.
The judge remarked that while no amount of money could bring back Kamzie, the case had led to positive changes within the school.
“The improvement in the sickbay, ensuring doctors are available twice daily, is in honor of Kamzie,” he noted, acknowledging the reforms made following the tragic incident.
Although the claimant had requested that one of the school’s structures be named after his daughter, Justice Oriji found the improvements in the sickbay sufficient recognition of Kamzie’s legacy.