By Tony Adibe
The management of the University of Nigeria has declared a three-day mourning period over the tragic deaths of four students who reportedly died at an off-campus house party in Nsukka.
Addressing the media on the unfortunate incident, which happened on 11th November 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortunaya clarified that ten students of the University were involved in the party, which they organized to celebrate one of their friends who finished his final year examination.
Unfortunately, four of them died after consuming substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs. The remaining six students are currently at various stages of recuperation in the hospital.
Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor declared a three-day mourning for the deceased students. “Within these three days, all social and academic activities will be suspended in the University”, Prof. Ortuanya said. The Vice-Chancellor also suspended a town-hall meeting earlier scheduled between the University Community and the Governor of Enugu State. He described the tragic loss of the students as “a death too many”.
Prof Ortuanya extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased students. “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”.
He further clarified that the students involved in the incident cut across different departments, contrary to the widely speculated reports that they were from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Prof. Ortuanya reiterated the ban on all forms of sign-off celebrations in the University, urging students to desist from indulging in activities that will endanger their lives. He said that the University is cooperating with security agencies to unravel the actual cause of the students’ deaths.
