Maimuna Nihal’s Death: St. Louis Alumni Demand Probe After Alleged Punishment of Student in Kano
The St. Louis Old Girls Association (SLOGA), Abuja Chapter, alongside alumni, parents, and stakeholders of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, has called for an independent investigation into the death of a 14-year-old student, Maimuna Salisu Yaro, popularly known as Nihal, following allegations that she was subjected to severe punishment at the school.
In a statement sent to PRNigeria on Friday, the group expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the teenager’s death as a tragedy that has shaken the St. Louis community and sparked concerns about student safety, accountability, and disciplinary practices within educational institutions.
According to the statement, reports indicate that Maimuna allegedly collapsed after being subjected to corporal punishment for arriving late to a prayer session. The group claimed that she was made to kneel for an extended period under the sun without water before she was rushed to a private hospital, where she was reportedly pronounced dead on arrival.
The alumni association said the incident demands transparency and accountability, stressing that no act of discipline or school regulation should ever result in the loss of a child’s life.
“Maimuna was a child, a daughter, a classmate, and a young life entrusted to a school environment where safety, dignity, care, and protection should be sacred and non-negotiable,” the statement said.
The association noted that while St. Louis Secondary School has historically been known for discipline, compassion, and academic excellence, the circumstances surrounding the student’s death require a thorough and transparent examination to establish the facts and restore public confidence.
The group urged the Kano State Government, the Kano State Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant child protection agencies to immediately launch an independent and transparent investigation into the incident.
Among its demands, the association called for regular public updates on the investigation, unrestricted access to the school for government officials and independent observers, and the temporary suspension of any staff or students whose actions may be relevant to the ongoing inquiry.
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It also demanded the public disclosure of timelines relating to the incident, the identities of staff members involved, and official medical reports concerning the student’s collapse and death.
Beyond the specific case, the alumni body called for a comprehensive review of disciplinary practices in schools across Kano State, particularly the use of corporal punishment.
The group urged authorities to establish stronger child safeguarding measures, emergency response protocols, parent notification procedures, and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies.
In addition, the association requested immediate psychological counselling and trauma support for students who witnessed the incident, Maimuna’s classmates, members of her family, and others affected by the tragedy.
While calling for calm, the alumni emphasised that justice must not be delayed and that any findings of negligence, abuse, or institutional failure should be addressed through due process.
“To Maimuna’s parents and family, you do not grieve alone. Hundreds of voices stand firmly with you. Her memory must not disappear into unanswered questions. Her death must lead to truth, justice, and stronger protections for every child,” the statement added.
The statement was endorsed by more than 30 members of the St. Louis Old Girls Association, Abuja Chapter, led by Aisha Abdallah Lukat (Class of 1986), Saida Sa’ad (1989), Khadija Dahiru Mustapha (1990), Rahmatu Maude (1988), Ramat Jafar Isa (1994), Maryam Bala Hassan (1997), Hassana A. Lukat (1991), Jamila Ahmad (1994), Alexandria Amanfo (2000), Halima Iliya Ibrahim (1989), Habiba Musa Usman (2000), Zainab Jalingo (1999), Nabila Muktar Elyakub (2010), Rukayya Tofa (2004), Amina Usman (1988), Surayyah Adamu (2001), Aishatu Usman (1990), Rakiya Ahmed (1988), Rakiyah Ibrahim Hamisu (1996), Maryam Bashir Umar (1985), Rayhanah Tahir Abdullahi (2014), Ramatu Adam (2006), Maimuna Abdurrahim (1997), Gladys Eneh-Ani (1997), Saadatu Hassan (1991), Zainab Imam (1988), Asiya Magaji Abdullahi (1998), Maimuna Zakari (1997), Rabi Sani (1994), Binta Shuaibu (1996), Zaleeha Zakari (2004), Aisha Hanga (2005), Fatima Monguno (1998), Amina Aminu Dorayi (1993), and Rose Okoruwa (1995).
The association maintained that the pursuit of justice for Maimuna should serve as a catalyst for reforms that will strengthen child protection and ensure safer learning environments across Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
