The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), has suspended medical personnel and security staff on duty at the university’s medical centre in connection with the tragic death of Miss Isabella Ajana, a 100-level Law student.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, and made available to journalists on Sunday.
Isabella Ajana, who was diabetic, reportedly died on July 8 after suffering a medical crisis at her off-campus residence, Elmada Hostel. According to multiple student accounts, she was denied urgent access to her insulin medication because the hostel supervisor allegedly demanded payment before releasing a spare key to her room, which she and her roommates had accidentally locked.
The students were allegedly asked to pay ₦120,000 (₦40,000 each) by the hostel mistress, identified as “Madam Bright,” in line with a purported hostel policy. Despite their pleas and explanations regarding Isabella’s critical condition, the demand was reportedly upheld. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and although she was eventually rushed to the university’s medical centre, she was confirmed dead shortly after.
The incident sparked widespread outrage both on campus and online, prompting the university to set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. The investigation committee, chaired by Prof. Mike Oddih, was initially given one week to submit its report.
Six weeks later, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, in the statement issued Sunday, said decisive actions had been taken based on the committee’s findings. She announced the immediate suspension of the doctors, nurses, and security personnel on duty at the university medical centre on the day Isabella was brought in. The suspension will last for an initial period of three months pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi also directed the immediate dismissal of the hostel supervisor on duty during the incident, citing negligence and failure to act in a life-threatening situation.
“Following the submission of the investigation committee’s report into the unfortunate death of Miss Isabella Chioma Ajana… I have taken decisive action,” the statement read.
“Arising from the report of the panel, I hereby suspend the doctors, nurses and security personnel on duty at the university’s medical centre on the day the student was rushed there, for three months in the first instance.
“The university further demands that the management of Elmada Hostel, which is jointly owned but privately managed, immediately sacks the supervisor who was in custody of the spare key and failed to act despite repeated calls.”
She added that UNIZIK would re-evaluate its partnership with the hostel and enforce adherence to international best practices in student accommodation facilities.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi extended her condolences to the bereaved family and assured the university community and the public of her commitment to student safety and welfare.
“I wish to assure the university community and the general public that we are committed to upholding the highest standard of care and safety for our students, in line with my vision: ‘feeling the pulse of the students and staff, and finding solutions.’
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and assure them that we will do everything possible to prevent such incidents in the future.”
