Citation

Fayokun KO. Makerere J. Higher Educ. 2012; 4(1).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Makerere University)

DOI

10.4314/majohe.v4i1.2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Student activism is a common feature of higher education systems worldwide. However, in Nigeria, as in many other countries, student activism is commonly met with stiff resistance from the police and other law enforcement agencies and fatalities are not uncommon. The problem is that responsibility for the consequences of student-police standoffs is characteristically controversial. This paper discusses this controversy with specific reference to deaths of Nigerian students in clashes with the police during demonstrations and related activist efforts. Starting with a brief examination of student activities in Nigeria that involved student deaths, the paper discusses medical and legal concepts related to death and responsibility for the same. This is with the conclusion that a medical-legal approach to the definition of death and apportionment of responsibility for the same is a more functional way of solving some of the riddles and mysteries of criminal prosecution for homicidal offences posed by unnatural deaths. Keywords: Student activism, Student management, Nigeria

Language: en