STUDENTS UNION GOVERNMENT, UNIZIK

Justice for Chioma Ajana: A Call for Accountability and Reform

With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University mourns the painful and untimely death of one of our own, Miss Chioma Ajana, a cherished student whose life was full of promise.

Contrary to trending narratives in the media, Miss Chioma Ajana passed away on Friday, July 4th, 2025, after being admitted to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital on Monday, June 30th, 2025. A detailed account of the events leading to her demise has since been established based on credible reports and testimonies from those directly involved.

The unfortunate sequence began on Saturday night, June 28th, when Miss Chioma and her roommates were locked out of their room at Elmada Hostel after mistakenly leaving their key inside. Immediate efforts were made to reach hostel authorities for access to the spare key, but were unsuccessful. The key custodian, we learned, was out of the state and could not provide access until Monday morning.

Despite public claims, no monetary demand was made for the key, as confirmed by Chioma’s roommate, Faustina. However, by Sunday night, the situation took a dangerous turn. As a Type 1 Diabetes patient, Chioma’s insulin and essential medication were locked in her room. Her condition deteriorated rapidly.

Though managed overnight, the spare key was finally retrieved by Monday morning, granting access to her medication. Unfortunately, efforts to stabilize her condition proved ineffective, even after the insulin was administered. She was rushed to the UNIZIK Medical Center, which, regrettably, was unable to provide necessary care and referred her to the teaching hospital, where she was admitted and placed under treatment.

Reports indicate that Chioma showed signs of improvement by Thursday, but tragically, she passed away the following day. Her death was not immediately disclosed to the public at the request of a family member until Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, when her mother personally informed Chioma’s close friend.

This devastating loss has plunged the student body and entire university community into mourning. But beyond grief, there is outrage and a resolute demand for accountability.

We believe this death was entirely preventable, and we therefore:
1. Condemn the negligence of Elmada Hostel authorities for failing to treat the matter with urgency.
2. Decry the consistent inefficiency of the university’s Medical Center, which has repeatedly proven unable to rise to emergency situations.
3. Question the inaction of students nearby who could have raised alarms or escalated the situation to relevant authorities.

Miss Chioma deserved better. And we refuse to let this incident be buried without justice, action, and reform.

We demand:

•   A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chioma’s death.
•   A complete overhaul of Elmada Hostel’s operational policies, especially on emergency access protocols.
•   An independent audit and upgrade of the university’s medical center.
•   That those found culpable face disciplinary and legal consequences.

This tragedy must awaken the entire community. We call on students to always speak up and seek help early. UNIZIK is our home, and we all have a role to play in safeguarding it.

To Miss Chioma Ajana, we will not forget you.
An injury to one is an injury to all. Justice must prevail.

Announcer:
Comr. Hilary Onwuasoizu (Fabulous)
31st SUG Public Relations Officer
08101276957