NYSC Doctor Dies After Alleged Denial of Sick Leave Request

Posted by Chinenye on Tue 07th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng

A young medical doctor serving under the NYSC has died after reports emerged that his request for medical leave was allegedly not approved during a period of illness.

(Wisdom Oghenetega Enakirerhi. Photo by Gistlover)

A 25-year-old medical doctor, Wisdom Oghenetega Enakirerhi, has reportedly d!ed after his request for a three-week sick leave, made while serving as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was allegedly denied.

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for improved welfare for young medical professionals.

According to reports, Dr. Enakirerhi fell seriously ill during his service year and repeatedly sought permission to go on sick leave in order to receive proper medical care.

His request was, however, allegedly turned down for about three weeks.

The case was made public by a medical practitioner who shared details of the situation on social media, stating that the young doctor, who had spent seven years in medical school, completed a one-year internship, and was serving with the NYSC, fell ill and requested a good three weeks of leave, but was not granted permission, and has since d!ed.

The report further disclosed that the young doctor's father and brother are both medical doctors and had reportedly asked that he be allowed to return home for treatment, but this request was also declined.

According to the account, permission was eventually granted only a few days before his death.

The incident has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing grief over the development while calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, alongside improved welfare policies for corps members, particularly those serving in the healthcare sector.