The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has suspended doctors, nurses, and security personnel on duty at its medical centre following the controversial death of a 100-level Law student, Miss Isabella Chioma Ajana.
The suspension was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, after the school’s investigative panel submitted its findings.
Recall that Isabella, a diabetic, died on July 8 after allegedly being denied urgent access to her insulin medication. According to reports, she and her roommates lost their room key at Elmada Hostel, a privately managed facility within the university premises. When they approached the hostel mistress, identified as “Madam Bright”, she allegedly refused to provide the spare key unless the students paid ₦120,000.
Despite explaining Isabella’s urgent condition, their pleas were ignored. Her health worsened, and she was rushed to UNIZIK’s medical centre, where she was later confirmed dead.
The incident sparked outrage across social media platforms and led to public condemnation, forcing the university management to set up a committee chaired by Prof. Mike Oddih to investigate the matter.
Giving an update six weeks later, Prof. Arinze-Umobi said:
“Arising from the report of the panel, I hereby suspend the doctors, nurses and the security personnel on duty at the University’s Medical Centre on the day the student was rushed there, for three-months in the first instance, during which all investigations would have been completed.”
She further directed the management of Elmada Hostel to immediately sack the supervisor on duty, stressing that the institution will re-evaluate its partnership with the facility.
The statement added:
“UNIZIK will re-evaluate relationship with the Elmada hostel, demanding international best practices in students’ accommodation facilities. I wish to assure the University Community and general public that we are committed to upholding the highest standard of care and safety for our students in line with my vision, ‘feeling the pulse of the students, staff and finding solutions’.”
Prof. Arinze-Umobi also extended condolences to Isabella’s family, assuring that the university would put stricter measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
