Daud Olatunji
A celebration meant to mark the end of university examinations has turned into tragedy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), after four students reportedly died following an off-campus party, while six others were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 11, has thrown the university community into mourning, prompting the management to declare three days of mourning and suspend all academic and social activities.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, confirmed the deaths while addressing journalists in Nsukka on Thursday.
He disclosed that 10 students of the institution were involved in the incident after attending a private house party organised to celebrate one of their colleagues who had completed his final-year examinations.
Ortuanya said four of the students died after allegedly consuming substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs, while the six survivors were receiving medical attention at different hospitals.
“They organised the party to celebrate one of their friends who concluded his final-year examination.
“Unfortunately, four of them died after consuming substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs, while the remaining six are currently at various stages of recuperation in the hospital,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Describing the incident as a devastating loss, Ortuanya announced a three-day mourning period in honour of the deceased students, directing the suspension of all academic and social activities within the period.
The tragedy also forced the university management to cancel a town hall meeting earlier scheduled between the university community and the Enugu State Governor.
The Vice-Chancellor described the deaths as “a death too many”, expressing the institution’s condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
“UNN shares in their grief at this difficult moment and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed,” he said.
Amid growing speculation over the identities and faculties of the students involved, Ortuanya clarified that they were drawn from different departments, dismissing reports suggesting that all the affected students belonged to the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
He also reiterated the university’s existing ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations, warning students against activities capable of putting their lives at risk.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, disclosed that the university was cooperating with security agencies to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Although suspected alcohol and drug consumption have been mentioned in connection with the incident, the university said investigations were ongoing to determine the precise cause of the deaths.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over substance abuse, risky social gatherings and the safety of students during celebrations marking the completion of academic programmes.
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