All parties have been banned at the university
Four students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, have lost their lives following a social gathering organised to mark the completion of their final examinations in south-eastern Nigeria.
The deceased, comprising two males and two females, reportedly became unwell after drinking alcoholic beverages at the event. However, authorities are yet to determine the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the incident, indicating that investigations had commenced to establish what happened.
Following the tragedy, the university management announced a three-day period of mourning, with lectures and recreational engagements suspended in honour of the victims.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Ortuanya disclosed that the institution received an emergency alert at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting the deployment of campus security officers to Praise Lodge, a residence in the Hilltop neighbourhood near the university.
He explained that preliminary findings had raised suspicions of excessive alcohol consumption and possible involvement of drugs, although no definitive conclusion had been reached.
Ortuanya expressed grief over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and acknowledging the sacrifices made by parents to support their children’s education.
In response, management has prohibited traditional sign-out festivities organised by graduating students to celebrate the conclusion of their academic programmes.
Such occasions typically feature entertainment, photography and the signing of classmates’ clothing. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged final-year students to instead reflect on their educational journey and prepare for responsibilities after university.
Meanwhile, the institution is collaborating with law enforcement authorities to determine the circumstances behind the fatalities.
Police investigators have retrieved alcoholic beverages from the location, while the deceased have been transferred to a mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
The incident has renewed concerns about the circulation of counterfeit and contaminated alcoholic products across Nigeria.
A similar public health emergency occurred in September when several residents of Ondo State reportedly suffered illnesses after consuming locally produced alcoholic beverages and traditional herbal preparations.
The outbreak claimed more than 11 lives in Araromi-Obu, with over 50 individuals requiring hospital treatment.
Subsequent investigations established that certain products contained methanol, a poisonous chemical capable of causing permanent blindness and fatal complications.
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recorded over 150 suspected cases, including 48 confirmed fatalities.
More than 80 victims received medical attention, while five reportedly suffered vision loss.
The regulatory authority has since intensified nationwide enforcement operations against businesses suspected of manufacturing or distributing substandard food, beverages and alcoholic products.
The latest university tragedy adds to growing public health concerns over the consumption of unregulated substances and the dangers associated with unsafe beverages.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong