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By CHARLES IWUOHA
The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has declared a three-day mourning period following the tragic death of four fresh graduates who reportedly died after attending an off-campus house party in Nsukka, Enugu State.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, disclosed this while addressing journalists on the incident, which occurred on November 11, 2026, explaining that 10 students of the university attended the gathering organised to celebrate one of their friends who had completed his final-year examination.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, four of the students died after allegedly consuming substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs, while the remaining six are currently receiving medical treatment at different hospitals.
Describing the incident as “a death too many”, Ortuanya announced that all social and academic activities would be suspended across the university during the three-day mourning period.
“Within these three days, all social and academic activities will be suspended in the University,” he said.
He also announced the suspension of a town hall meeting earlier scheduled between the university community and the Governor of Enugu State.
The Vice-Chancellor extended the university management’s condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, assuring them of the institution’s solidarity in their moment of grief.
“The Management, staff and the students of the University of Nigeria share in their grief at this difficult moment and pray for the repose of the souls of the departed,” Ortuanya said.
He also clarified that the students involved in the incident came from different departments, dismissing reports suggesting that all the victims were from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Reiterating the university’s ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations, the Vice-Chancellor urged students to avoid activities that could put their lives at risk.
He further disclosed that the university was cooperating with security agencies to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over students’ safety and the risks associated with substance use at social gatherings, as investigations continue to determine the precise cause of the deaths.
