The purported strange deaths of students are causing a lot of tension at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, in Agbani, Enugu State.
An online news service, Sahara Reporters had reported that 13 students reportedly died of strange illness a few weeks ago.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, or NANS, has called for the university to be shut down immediately after hearing that numerous students had recently perished in strange ways.
A statement signed by the coordinator of NANS, Zone F, South-East, Comrade Chidi Nzekwe, with the title: “CALL TO SHUTDOWN ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ESUT) IMMEDIATELY.”, reads:
“The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students NANS Zone F- Southeast, expresses our deepest concern and utmost dismay over the frequent and tragic death of our students in Enugu state university of science and technology (ESUT).
“Our investigations have shown a high level of negligence on the part of the school administration, ranging from non-functional student clinics, which is a major factor for the unfortunate death of our students.
“In the light of these disturbing findings, the leadership of NANS Zone F has taken the decision to order the immediate shutdown of the institution from tomorrow being 24th of August 2023, till further notice.
“This action is necessary to allow us to engage in extensive meetings with relevant stakeholders, including the university management, medical experts, security agencies and student representatives.
“Failure to shutdown the institution with immediate effect, we will be compelled to escalate our actions and the university management should get ready to contend with the armless battalion army of Nigerian students in the zone.
“The leadership of NANS Zone F is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.
“We will not stand idly while the lives and welfare of our students are endangered, as we seek for a quick intervention to this crisis, we urge all our students in ESUT to return back to their respective homes where they will be safe till further notice.
“May the souls of our dear departed students Rest in peace.”
However, the ESUT Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezianioma, reportedly stated that the ESUT student body had discounted the letter from NANS.
The SUG President Mr. Donatus Okolieuwam was also quoted by media reports to have stated that there was no plot to close the university
Okolieuwa was cited in an online publication, assuring students that the SUG leadership was aggressively addressing the issue in conjunction with the appropriate partners.