Diverse Perspectives on EBSU Final Year Student's Alleged Suicide
The alleged suicide of a final year student at Ebonyi State University prompts debate on academic stress and claims of lecturer misconduct.
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) is currently embroiled in controversy following the tragic death of a final year student, Ugwuka Favour, who allegedly committed suicide after repeated academic failures attributed to a specific lecturer.
The Incident
Ugwuka Favour, a final year student in the English Department at EBSU, reportedly took her own life by ingesting a bottle of sniper, a powerful pesticide. Passersby found her lying unconscious behind Ishieke Hostel and rushed her to the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) 2, where she was pronounced dead. No identification was found on her at the scene, prompting calls for her family to be located.
Allegations and Emotional Appeals
In a voice note circulating on WhatsApp, Favour expressed her despair, lamenting her continuous failures in a specific course despite her efforts. She suggested that the lecturer, Dr. Enyi, was intentionally failing her. This sentiment was echoed by her mother in a video, where she accused Dr. Enyi of being responsible for her daughter's death. "Dr. Enyi said he is the best, nobody can teach like him. He should come and carry my daughter who has committed suicide," she declared.
SEE: Lawyer Calls for Thorough Investigation into Tragic Death of EBSU Student
Rex Nwome, a graduate and Favour's close friend, corroborated these claims, stating that Dr. Enyi had vowed never to let Favour graduate. Nwome mentioned that Favour had passed all her courses except the one taught by Dr. Enyi, forcing her to pay an extra year's tuition. The exclusion of her name from the recently shortlisted NYSC list reportedly exacerbated her depression.
Broader Implications and Reactions
READ: EBSU VC Reveals Favour Ugwuka’s Death Not Linked to Academic Performance
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the pressures and challenges faced by students at EBSU. One student shared a personal story of how they prevented a similar tragedy in 2018, highlighting the severe impact academic failure can have on mental health. Another student described EBSU as a tough environment where some lecturers allegedly frustrate students to the point of giving up.
Edwin Nwuguru voiced that, “Whatever the lecturer did is not enough to commit suicide. Maybe she is secretly going through other things. But if the lecturer did all this, that is still not fair since it also contributed to the suicide.”
Chuks Igwe called for an investigation, suggesting that if Dr. Enyi is found responsible, he should be sacked and barred from teaching in any government-owned institution.
FOLLOW: Nobody Should Threaten My Life – EBSU Professor Speaks On Favour Ugwuka's Death
Victor Chinedum commented on the extreme pressures of academic life, pointing out that some students take education so seriously that it affects their mental health profoundly.
Collins Obumnemechi added, “The parents contributed to her depression. Even the money she used to buy the sniper was borrowed, meaning she was left broke.”
Additional Perspectives
READ: EBSU VC Reveals Favour Ugwuka’s Death Not Linked to Academic Performance
Another commenter shared a personal anecdote, reminiscing about their own academic struggles with a particular lecturer, highlighting the stress and pressure faced by students in such situations.
In an update, a commenter urged for rationality and sensitivity in judgment, questioning the immediate attribution of blame to Prof. Enyi. They emphasized the need for thorough investigation and verification of all factors surrounding the incident before drawing conclusions.
The Way Forward
This tragic event underscores the need for better mental health support systems within educational institutions. It also calls for greater vigilance from parents and guardians to monitor their children's academic and emotional well-being. Students are reminded that academic setbacks, while challenging, should not be seen as insurmountable obstacles or reasons to end one's life.
Conclusion
The death of Ugwuka Favour is a heartbreaking reminder of the pressures faced by students and the critical importance of mental health support in educational settings. It is imperative that educational institutions, authorities, and communities work together to prevent such tragedies in the future. As investigations continue, the hope is for a fair and thorough examination of all contributing factors to ensure justice and prevent recurrence.