Enugu State Government has strongly refuted claims of sudden student deaths at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, citing the allegations as unsubstantiated and misleading. In response to the reports, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah assured that an exhaustive inquiry into the matter was underway. Emphasizing his commitment to ensuring a secure and enriched learning atmosphere within the institution, the governor’s stance was reiterated during his representative’s visit to ESUT yesterday.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor expressed genuine concern for the well-being of students. He emphasized the government’s determination to investigate beyond the findings of Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi. The governor’s directive extended to an on-site assessment, conducted in partnership with the Vice Chancellor, Commissioner for Health, and Commissioner for Education.
“The governor’s unwavering dedication to maintaining world-class university standards, prioritizing student health and security, is resolute,” stated the SSG. “We’ve inspected the facilities, and from our observations and conversations, it’s evident that the intentions behind the social media claims may have been to distort facts. However, one truth remains: Enugu State Government is fully committed to students’ safety and their learning environment.”
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, decried the proliferation of unverified news on social media. Stressing that his team promptly initiated an investigation into the false reports, he asserted the state’s comprehensive disease surveillance network remained vigilant. “At present, independent, unrelated cases of deaths, including ESUT students, have been reported, debunking the rumors circulating online,” the commissioner disclosed.
ESUT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, linked the misinformation to disgruntled students following the July 17, 2023 NANS election results. He acknowledged the loss of lives, both students and non-students, outside the campus environment due to various causes, including accidents and illnesses. The Vice Chancellor underscored the institution’s ongoing efforts to improve medical services, evident in acquisitions of equipment, drugs, and manpower, as well as the introduction of primary healthcare providers and ambulances.
Director of Medical Services, Dr. Njideka Kenneth-Njoku, affirmed that no deaths had occurred within the school premises during her tenure, offering records to substantiate her claim. The Students Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Donatus Okoye, joined in the investigation, discrediting the rumors as a malicious attempt to besmirch the university’s reputation.
