By CHARLES IWUOHA

There is tension in the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, Enugu, over alleged mysterious deaths of students.

Sources hinted that many students have died in mysterious circumstances within the last few weeks, prompting a demand by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for the immediate shut down of the institution.

A statement to that effect, titled, ‘CALL TO SHUTDOWN ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ESUT) IMMEDIATELY’, was obtained by News Express Thursday night.

It was signed by the coordinator of NANS, Zone F, South-East, Comrade Chidi Nzekwe.

The statement reads: “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 shut down 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.”

Similarly, a social media post by one Rev. Godwin O Onah urged the Enugu State and the Federal governments to immediately shut down the university.

“There are massive mysterious deaths at Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

“The Enugu State Government or the Federal Government should close the school immediately to avert further death,” he wrote.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of ESUT, Mr Ikechukwu Ezianioma said the letter by NANS has been discountenced by the ESUT students’ body.

“It has been discountenanced; I will send you a disclaimer by the ESUT students’ union President,” the PRO said Friday morning when asked to react to the alleged massive mysterious deaths of students.

When he eventually sent the said disclaimer, it was an online publication where the SUG President, Mr Donatus Okolieuwa said there was no plan to shut down the institution.

Okolieuwa was quoted in the publication to have reassured students that the SUG leadership, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, was actively working to address the situation.

Further efforts to obtain reaction from ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof Aloysius Okolie his mobile line was switched off as of the time of filing this report.

But another staff of the University, who confirmed the strange deaths, however, hinted that the Enugu State Government was already on top of the situation.

“We are expecting a government delegation to the University; we will know the next line of action after that visit,” he said in confidence.

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