A delegation of officials led by Enugu State’s Commissioner of Health, Dr Ikechukwu Obi, visited the Agbani campus of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Friday, in response to a recent outbreak of a mysterious illness. The illness has allegedly claimed the lives of 13 students within a span of less than a month.
The delegation’s visit comes after Reverend Godwin Onah, a member of the university staff, expressed alarm about the situation and urgently called for government intervention. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also issued a statement, urging the state government to promptly address the crisis and safeguard the well-being of the students.
NANS Zonal Coordinator, Chidi Nzekwe, stated, “Our investigations have shown a high level of negligence on the part of the school administration, ranging from non-functional student clinic, which is a major factor for the unfortunate death of our students.” The association further declared its decision to shut down the institution until further notice, in order to engage with relevant stakeholders and address the pressing concerns.
In contrast, the university’s management, as conveyed by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Ikechukwu Ezianioma, refuted the reports of a mysterious illness within the campus. Mr. Ezianioma stated, “The Commissioners of Health, Education and Secretary to the State Government, with a whole lot of other government officials came to the university today and after check, they discovered that the reports circulating were false.”
While the situation continues to unfold, the Enugu State Commissioner of Health has not yet provided an official statement, as he is reportedly engaged in an extended meeting following his visit to the university campus. The investigation remains ongoing, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting official updates on the situation.
The ESUT community remains in a state of apprehension as the government and university authorities strive to ascertain the true nature of the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the students. Further developments are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
