The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have confirmed the passing of Miss Isabella Ajana, a first-year Law student, and have commenced an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death.
This tragic development comes just four days after another student, Tochi, a 300-level Microbiology undergraduate, reportedly collapsed and died while playing football on campus.
Information gathered indicates that Isabella died on Friday, July 4, after being admitted to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital on Monday, June 30, 2025.
A closer look at the sequence of events showed that the chain of events leading to her death began on Friday, June 27, when she and her roommates were locked out of their room at Emalda Hostel after mistakenly leaving their key inside.
Hostel sources disclosed that efforts were immediately made to contact hostel management for a spare key but were unsuccessful. The individual responsible for spare keys was reportedly out of town and unavailable until Monday morning.
A source within the hostel, who spoke anonymously, stated, “The unfortunate event began on Friday night, June 27, when the deceased and her roommates were locked out of their room at Emalda Hostel after mistakenly leaving their key inside.
“Immediate efforts were made to reach hostel authorities for access to the spare key, but were unsuccessful. It was discovered that the key custodian was out of the state and could not provide access until Monday morning.
“However, by Sunday night, the situation took a dangerous turn. As a Type 1 Diabetes patient, the deceased’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 stabilise her condition proved ineffective, even after the insulin was administered.
“She was rushed to the UNIZIK Medical Centre, which, regrettably, was unable to provide necessary care and referred her to the teaching hospital, where she was admitted and placed under treatment.”
It was reported that she began to recover slightly by Thursday, but sadly passed away the following day.
Her death was not immediately made public, reportedly at the request of a family member, until Tuesday, July 8, when her mother informed a close friend.
The university community has been thrown into mourning following the loss. Amid the sorrow, there is growing anger and calls for accountability.
While some accounts from her roommates alleged that the hostel management demanded up to ₦40,000 before releasing the spare key, university officials have denied this claim.
In response, the Acting Director of Information, Public Relations and Protocol, Njelita Louis, issued a statement on Thursday confirming the incident and assuring that investigations are underway.
The statement read, “The attention of the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been drawn to the distressing incident involving Miss Isabella Ajana, a 100-level student in the Faculty of Law.
“It’s pertinent to inform all concerned at this moment and to assure the university community and the public that the university is actively working to get to the root of this unfortunate situation.
“We understand the anxiety and uncertainty this has caused, and our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our students. The management acknowledges the issues at hand with deep concern and is leaving no stone unturned in taking immediate steps to address them.
“Currently, there is an ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the demise of our dear student.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is committed to transparency in this investigation and will keep the university community and the public informed and properly updated on the progress and outcome as soon as possible.”
He added that the university is focusing its investigation on the operations, management, security, and general welfare of students residing in Emalda Hostel, a privately managed accommodation close to the school.
“In the meantime, we urge everyone to remain calm and avoid any actions likely to cause breach of peace. The university management assures all staff, students and the general public of the university’s determination to sustain the cordial relations in the university. Thank you for your cooperation,” the statement added.
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