By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Parents of the late 200 level Industrial Physics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU or UNIZIK), Awka, who allegedly committed suicide in one of the hostels in the university have denied school fees hike as the cause of their son’s death.

The deceased, David Ogbonna, was reported to have taken to suicide after locking himself in his room over recent increase in school tuition by the university management.

But the parents of the deceased, Pastor and Mrs Esther Ogbonna, denied the claim, saying that their son may have been frustrated by his poor grades.

Speaking on behalf of the family during a meeting with the school management, the deceased mother who expressed anger over the report said her late son couldn’t have died of financial incapabilities, saying that apart from their support to him and that of his siblings, he was hardworking and did so many minor jobs like tailoring and laundry to support himself.

She informed the school management that his son complained of his poor grade in one of his courses in first year during her last discussion with her son a day before his demise which she encouraged him to work hard on the course to remedy the deficiency in next exams.

She added that his son’s tone wasn’t lamentations to warrant taking his life the next moment

According to her, all the needs of their son were provided for without worry by them and his siblings who as well contributed in turns for his upkeep.

She insisted that the media reports were misleading and diversionary, even as she commended the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka for the steps taken so far to unravel the mystery behind the death of their son.

She reiterated the need for all the security agencies involved to trace and unravel the mystery behind her son’s death allegedly via suicide on his room, as the school fees hike dummy wasn’t an issue at all.

One of the brothers of the deceased student, Samuel Ogbonna who accompanied his parents to Unizik following his brother’s death corroborated his mother, Mrs Esther Ogbonna’s story about his late brother and was at lost on why he should take his life because of allegedly hike in school fees as the media reported when all his needs were met.

A statement by school management dated 22nd August, 2021 said the University community was saddened by the ugly incident and would leave no stone unturned to unravel the mystery behind the alleged suicide of the student in his hostel room.

The referenced NAU/DIPR/71, tagged “Demise of Ogbonna David, 200 level student of the university”, which was signed by Chika Gladys Ene, Ag. Head, Information and Public Relations/Chief Protocol Officer of the university, called for calm by all staff and students as it’s doing everything possible in the right direction concerning the incident.

The statement reads: “The University community is saddened by the death of our student David Ogbonna allegedly via suicide. He was found inside a wardrobe dangling with a rope round his neck. He was a 200 level student of the Department of Physics.

“The incident occurred on 20th August, 2021 at the male Hostel inside the University premises. Media reports attributed his death allegedly to hike in school fees. But, rather than rush to the media, we embarked on thorough investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the unfortunate demise of a future star by inviting everyone that needed to speak over the incident supposedly.

“The University Management upon hearing the sad news carried out due protocol by inviting the University’s Medical Centre and the Nigerian Police Force who evacuated the body to the mortuary. The University Management and the NPF have consequently launched investigation into the alleged suicide act by the late student and it’s currently ongoing.

“The parents also met with the University Management to discover their side of the story to be able to unravel the mystery behind his death.

“The parents of the late student, Pastor and Mrs. Ogbonna during the meeting with University Management, Council and the SUG categorically stated that hike in school fees wouldn’t have been the reason for their son’s death as they provided everything he needed.

“While the University Management is relentless and keen in her investigation of this ugly incident, it is however disheartening that some media houses have already embarked on a mission to tarnish the university’s image disregarding the place of thorough investigation in journalism.

“The University Management is deeply pained by this bad news in this citadel of learning and further calls on staff and students to remain calm as investigation is ongoing. Staff and students are encouraged to visit the Centre for Counselling and Career Development which was created on the heels of the assumption of the Vice-Chancellor and mandated to entertain issues especially one that disturbs mental health.”

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