Students of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in Agbani, Enugu, are calling for the immediate closure of the school following the alleged mysterious deaths of several students within the last few weeks.
The students, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone F, South-East, issued a statement on Thursday night, expressing their concern and dismay over the situation.
The statement, signed by the coordinator of NANS, Zone F, Comrade Chidi Nzekwe, accused the school administration of negligence and lack of functional student clinics, which contributed to the tragic deaths of the students.
The statement ordered the shutdown of the institution from August 24, 2023, until further notice, to allow for extensive meetings with relevant stakeholders, including the university management, medical experts, security agencies and student representatives.
The statement warned that if the school failed to comply with the shutdown order, NANS would escalate its actions and mobilize its members to protest. The statement also condoled with the families of the deceased students and prayed for their souls to rest in peace.
“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.”
The statement has created tension and anxiety among the students and the public.
However, a source from the school told Newsflash Nigeria that the memo was not authentic and that there was no plan to close down the school.
The ESUT Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezianioma, has denied the allegations of negligence, saying that the student clinics are fully functional and that the university is committed to the health and safety of its students.
However, the ESUT Student Union President, Mr. Donatus Okolieuwa, has acknowledged that there have been a number of mysterious deaths at the university in recent weeks. He said that the union is working with the school administration to address the situation.
The Enugu State Government has also said that it is aware of the situation and is working to investigate the deaths.
The mysterious deaths of students at ESUT have raised serious concerns about the safety of the institution. The government and the university administration must take swift action to address the situation and ensure that the students are safe.