The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka has commenced investigation over the death of Miss Isabella Ajana, a 100-level student in the Faculty of Law.
According to a press release from the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations/Protocols, Njelita Lious, the institution is beaming its searchlight on the operation, management, security and the welfare of students.
“The attention of the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been drawn to the distressing incident involving Miss Isabella Ajana, a 100-level student in the Faculty of Law.
“It’s pertinent to inform all concerned at this moment and to assure the university
community and the public that the university is actively working to get to the root of this unfortunate situation.
“We understand the anxiety and uncertainty this has caused, and our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our students. The management acknowledges the issues at hand with deep concern and is leaving no stone unturned in taking immediate steps to address them. Currently, there is an ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the demise of our dear student.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is committed to transparency in this investigation and will keep the university community and the public informed and properly updated on the progress and outcome as soon as possible. However, the University is beaming its searchlight on the operation, management, security and the welfare of students living at Elmada, a privately owned and managed hostel within the University’s vicinity.
“In the meantime, we urge everyone to remain calm and avoid any actions likely to cause breach of peace. The university management assures all staff, students and the general public of the university’s determination to sustain the cordial relations In the university’ Njelita stated.
Angel Network News (ANN) gathered that
the deceased, died on Wednesday, with her sudden demise linked to the harsh and widely-condemned policy of Emelda Hostel, a hostel located within the university campus where she lived.
The deceased, described by her mates as intelligent, promising, and full of dreams, was said to have lost her room key and had approached the Management of the hostel to request a spare key, explaining that she was diabetic and urgently needed to access her insulin medication kept inside her refrigerator. Her plea, however, fell on deaf ears.
Rather than provide immediate help, the Hostel Management reportedly told her that their policy required her two roommates to pay ₦40,000 each totalling ₦120,000 before the spare key could be released, even while there are many spare keys available. Despite repeated appeals, explanations, and even warnings about her medical condition, she was allegedly denied access to the room.
Left without her medication for three consecutive days, her health deteriorated drastically, and she eventually collapsed on Sunday and was rushed to the hospital in a critical state, but all efforts to revive her proved abortive. By Wednesday morning, she was confirmed dead.
The sad incident has continued to generate reactions and condemnations from within and outside the university community, with many describing the hostel’s actions as not only insensitive and exploitative, but grossly inhumane.
The ₦40,000 spare key charge, which many students say is a standing policy in Emelda Hostel, has been strongly condemned, with several students recounting similar experiences of being forced to pay the same amount even in emergency situations.
Students also revealed that Emelda Hostel, despite being located within the university premises, is not owned by the institution and has over the years attracted criticisms for its rigid policies and high-handedness, especially towards students facing one challenge or another.
A classmate of the deceased, who narrated her own ordeal on social media, said she had once been forced to pay ₦120,000 before being allowed access to her room under similar circumstances, describing the policy as exploitative and lacking any trace of empathy.
Untl her death, Chioma was said to be preparing to be called to the LAWSA Bar, with plans already in motion for the ceremony. Her friends described her as cheerful and focused, noting that her only offence was misplacing her key — something they say should never have resulted in death, if those concerned had acted with the slightest sense of humanity.
