UNN shuts down activities over death of four students

The University of Nigeria (UNN) has shut down activities following the death of four students who reportedly died at an off-campus house party in Nsukka.

The University also declared a three-day mourning over the tragic death of four students.

Earlier reports had stated that six graduate students of the school attached to the Pharmacy department died during a house party on Wednesday night

Addressing the media on the unfortunate incident, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortunaya clarified that ten students of the University were involved in the party which they organised to celebrate one of their friends who finished his final year examination.

“Unfortunately four of them died after consuming substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs. The remaining six students are currently at various stages of recuperation in the hospital”, he said

He therefore, declared a three-day mourning for the deceased students. “Within these three days, all social and academic activities will be suspended in the University”, Prof. Ortuanya said.

The Vice-Chancellor also suspended a town-hall meeting earlier scheduled between the University Community and the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah

He described the tragic loss of the students as “a death too many”.

Ortuanya extended his heart-felt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased students.

“The Management , staff and the students of the University of Nigeria share in their grief at this difficult moment and pray for the repose of the souls of the departed”, he added

He further clarified that the students involved in the incident cut across different departments as against the widely-speculated reports that they were from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Ortuanya reiterated that ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations in the University, urging students to take desist from indulging in activities that will endanger their lives.

He said that the University is cooperating with security agencies to unravel the actual cause of death of the students.

It is yet to be ascertained what led to the death of the four students.