Outrage Trails Death of NYSC Doctor After Alleged Three-Week Sick Leave Denial

By Ene Rebecca

July 7, 2026

The death of Dr. Wisdom Oghenetega Enakirerhi, a 25-year-old medical doctor serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has sparked widespread public outrage following allegations that his request for medical leave was denied for about three weeks despite his deteriorating health.

According to accounts shared by a medical practitioner identified as Dr. Akpoyibo, the deceased became seriously ill while carrying out his national service and sought permission to take a three-week sick leave to receive treatment. However, the request was allegedly not approved. Dr. Akpoyibo stated that Enakirerhi had spent seven years studying medicine, completed his internship, and was serving as a corps member when his condition worsened.

Dr. Akpoyibo further alleged that the deceased’s father and brother, who are both medical doctors, appealed for him to be allowed to return home for treatment, but their requests were also reportedly declined. According to him, approval for the doctor’s leave came only a few days before his death.

News of the incident has generated strong reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing grief over the doctor’s death while calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the handling of his medical leave request. Several users questioned the welfare system for corps members and urged the relevant authorities to review existing procedures to prevent similar incidents.

The NYSC’s bye-laws provide that leave of absence is granted at the discretion of the scheme’s authorities and outline procedures for medical treatment and approval of leave for corps members. However, no official response from the NYSC regarding the allegations surrounding Dr. Enakirerhi’s death was included in the source report.

The incident has renewed public attention on the welfare and healthcare support available to corps members, with many calling for greater accountability in the administration of medical emergencies within the national service scheme.