ESUT Addresses Concerns Surrounding Recent Student Deaths

The Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) has issued a statement in response to a series of student deaths, aiming to provide clarity amid calls for a campus shutdown.
In a statement signed by Prof. Jude Udenta, Ph.D., the Dean of Student Affairs, he stated that amid concerns and sorrow, the institution remains committed to transparent communication.

Delivering the institution’s perspective on the distressing events, Prof. Udenta said, “It is very unfortunate and distressful that we have been pushed to discuss the circumstances of the deaths of our beloved students in public.”

“Incidentally, given the current situation where the Coordinator of NANS ZONE F and certain other actors are advocating for the shutdown of our institution, we have no other reasonable option but to make the following clarifications available to the public. This is intended to properly guide everyone and maintain a sense of calm. In this regard, I hereby state as follows:

He mentioned that most of the incidents, as alleged, didn’t occur on campus, except for the recent case of a student who died in a road accident.
According to him, “The most recent student who reportedly died over the past weekend lost his life due to a road mishap at a yet-to-be-confirmed location. He was a piper and instrumentalist, and he passed away while returning from his chores. It’s worth noting that the Old Cross River State wasn’t shut down when Prince Nico Mbarga, known for the Sweet Mother song, died in a motorcycle accident! It’s important to highlight that this latest case was the only one among the deceased students who was an on-campus student; the rest were off-campus.”

He also mentioned that the school’s management is actively investigating the deaths of two students at an Enugu lodge and has collaborated with security committees within the campus to strengthen safety measures, particularly for off-campus students.

“The recent deaths of two additional students, attributed to self-medication, raise concerns about healthcare practices. The school has extended condolences to the affected families and is working to uncover the contributing factors.”

Acknowledging the emotional impact of these incidents, Prof. Udenta also stated that the school has sought guidance from spiritual leaders, appealing for solace and divine intervention during these trying times.

He expressed disappointment at the swift call from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone F for a shutdown. He added that this underscores the importance of measured responses and constructive dialogue.

Prof. Jude Udenta also reiterated that, despite the grief, the school remains dedicated to student well-being and academic excellence.

He called for unity amongst all ;reiterating the institution’s motto, “ESUT IS OURS! The Struggle Continues! Vitoria a Certa!”

The statement reads:

PRESS RELEASE.

August 23, 2023.

“It is very unfortunate and distressful that we have been pushed to discuss the circumstances of the deaths of our beloved students in public. Given the current situation where the Coordinator of NANS ZONE F and certain other actors are advocating for the shutdown of our institution, we have no other reasonable option but to make the following clarifications available to the public. This is intended to properly guide everyone and maintain a sense of calm. In this regard, I hereby state as follows:

1. The most recent student who reportedly died over the past weekend lost his life due to a road mishap at a yet-to-be-confirmed location. He was a piper and instrumentalist, and he passed away while returning from his chores. It’s worth noting that the Old Cross River State wasn’t shut down when Prince Nico Mbarga, known for the Sweet Mother song, died in a motorcycle accident! It’s important to highlight that this latest case was the only one among the deceased students who was an on-campus student; the rest were off-campus.
2. The case of the two young ESUT students who died somewhere in a Lodge in Enugu town is still under investigation. What could we have done to stop that tragedy? Meanwhile, immediately, we got the information; we held meetings with our security committee on these matters. We asked them to sensitize all off-campus students about the use of generators and other possible risk factors. We ask: How many families have been lost to the cold hands of death as a result of generator fumes across the states in Nigeria, and how many have been shut down? It is a tragedy, and we are doing our best to keep our people alive and well.
3. About the remaining two cases, still under investigation, they were said to have died from undisclosed ailments for which they attempted to find remedies in town through self-medication. May they all rest in peace. Amen!
4. Meanwhile, in view of our belief in the influence of the spiritual on the material, we have reached out to pastors, asking for forgiveness and divine intervention to end such tragedies.
5. What we had expected from NANS ZONE F is a collaborative approach based on consultation and consolation in times like these, rather than an immediate declaration of shutdown – a move that appears questionable in integrity and, accordingly, null and void.
6. Finally, as we mourn our departed and continue to seek divine assistance, we encourage our beloved students to prepare for our Cultural Week and subsequent Final and Second Semester Exams. We urge our students to stand strong in defense of ESUT. ESUT IS OURS! The Struggle Continues! Vitoria a Certa! ESUT is superior to their institutions, if they even have any. We shall not be distracted!
   Prof. Jude Udenta, Ph.D.
   Dean, Student Affairs, ESUT.”