A 100-level Law student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Miss Isabella Ajana, has died in a tragic turn of events that has stirred sorrow and outrage across the university community.
Isabella reportedly passed away on Friday, July 4, at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, days after falling critically ill due to being locked out of her hostel room where her medication was kept. Sources say the incident began on Friday, June 27, when she and her roommates accidentally left their key inside their room at Emalda Hostel, a private hostel near the university.
Attempts to retrieve the spare key were unsuccessful throughout the weekend, as the key handler was said to be out of town and could not be reached until Monday. Unfortunately, Isabella, who was managing Type 1 diabetes, had her insulin and other essential drugs locked inside the room. Her condition reportedly worsened by Sunday night, and although she was eventually given access to the room and received treatment on Monday, it was too late.
She was initially taken to the university’s medical centre, which later referred her to the teaching hospital due to the severity of her condition. Though she appeared to respond to treatment by Thursday, she sadly died the following day.
Her death, which was kept private until July 8 at the family’s request, has thrown the university community into mourning and raised questions about student welfare, emergency response, and hostel management. Some students alleged that hostel staff requested money—reportedly as high as ₦40,000—before releasing the spare key, though the university has dismissed the claims.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the university’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Njelita Louis, confirmed the incident and said investigations have commenced to uncover the circumstances surrounding Isabella’s death. He stressed that the institution is deeply concerned and is committed to student safety and well-being.
According to the statement, the school management is reviewing the operations of Emalda Hostel, including its administrative practices and student welfare measures. The university called on students to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt peace on campus, assuring the public of full transparency throughout the investigative process.
As the investigation unfolds, Isabella’s passing remains a painful reminder of the importance of accessible student healthcare, timely intervention, and improved emergency procedures in both on-campus and off-campus hostels.
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