One dies, two hospitalised during ‘wild’ sign out celebration at IMT Enugu

A female student lost her life in a car accident at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, during celebrations marking the end of final year exams.

According to an eyewitness who requested anonymity, a graduating student driving recklessly in celebration reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which then ran into a crowd of students.

The students had embarked on wild celebrations after their final exams, against management’s warning.

The Guardian gathered that the car, suspected to have suffered brake failure, struck several students, fatally injuring two, who were rushed to a private medical facility in Enugu for treatment.

A video circulating on social media has shown the accident scene, with students lifting the car to recover the body of one of them trapped under the vehicle.

Acting Rector of the school, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ejim, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, stated, however, that the deceased student was not an IMT student but a student from a neighbouring institution who was present on campus to sign out one of the injured students.

He also confirmed that two other students, both from the Department of Public Administration, sustained injuries in the crash.

“The injured students are receiving medical care at the hospital in the New Haven area of Enugu. One of the victims, an HND II student, is set to be transferred to the Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu for further treatment after X-rays revealed a leg fracture,” Ejim said.

He announced the indefinite suspension of the final year examinations, regretting that the incident could have been avoided if the students had adhered to directives against wild and reckless celebrations during signing out.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Wednesday banned the use of vehicles and other loud and reckless signing-out parades in all tertiary institutions in Enugu State.

A statement from NANS, Enugu State chapter, signed by the Chairman, Ali Cajetan, and Secretary, James Emmanuel, which lamented the unfortunate incident at IMT, regretted the tragic loss of a student’s life and the hospitalisation of two others “due to reckless driving during the signing-out celebration at the Institute.”

While extending its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased student, it commended the Acting Rector of the school, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ejim, for his prompt response and support.

“His leadership and hands-on approach during this difficult time have been exemplary. We also appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Service for promptly restoring order and ensuring safety,” the statement said.

NANS, however, informed the student community and the general public that the perpetrator of the act had been arrested and is currently detained, adding that the police were following due legal processes to bring the perpetrator to justice, with NANS monitoring and following up on the process.

“To prevent future occurrences, NANS urges institutions to enforce reasonable speed limits on campuses to ensure safety, as well as the pursuit of justice for defaulters through all legal means. Students are urged to strictly adhere to these directives and prioritise responsible social behaviour.

“As the umbrella organisation for Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to advocating for measures that promote student safety, welfare, and a conducive learning environment while curbing recklessness and rascality,” it added.