Tragedy Sparks Call for Campus Reform at Abia State Polytechnic
The death of Ezekiel Mary Ogechi, a First Class student, crushed by a tanker after a bureaucratic hurdle, sparks outrage at Abia State Polytechnic. Students decry campus safety neglect, demanding accountability from the Student Union Government and School administration. Amidst grief, calls for reform echo as the community mourns and seeks justice for the fallen student.
Mary Nwaeze 
In the wake of a devastating tragedy at Abia State Polytechnic, the campus community mourns the loss of Ezekiel Mary Ogechi, whose promising future was abruptly cut short by a fatal accident. Ogechi's death not only unveils systemic safety concerns but also ignites a fervent demand for accountability from both the Student Union Government and the administration, propelling the institution into a collective quest for justice and reform.
Chiemela Chester Enyeribe, a fellow student deeply affected by Ogechi's passing, has raised poignant questions about the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Student Union Government (SUG).
Enyeribe's sentiments reflect a growing discontent among students over the perceived apathy of the SUG towards pressing matters. Despite recent activism surrounding late payment issues and exorbitant fees, Enyeribe highlights a history of neglect towards longstanding grievances. These include the closure of a secondary school within the campus premises for over four years, unresolved infrastructure issues like a locked pedestrian bridge, and opaque fee structures that burden students without tangible benefits.
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The tragic death of Ogechi has brought these simmering issues to the forefront, as students demand answers and accountability from both the SUG and the administration. The SUG President, alongside fellow executives and law enforcement officials, led a procession to the Administrative Complex to address the administration directly. He recounted the events leading up to Ogechi's death, revealing that she was at the administrative offices for clearance when she was unexpectedly burdened with a payment of 5000 Naira for the late printing of course forms. In the midst of this bureaucratic hurdle, tragedy struck as Ogechi was struck by a passing tanker.
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In response to the tragic demise, the SUG President made impassioned pleas for immediate action. He demanded an end to the practice of imposing late fees on students and urged the installation of road bumps along hazardous routes within the campus. Additionally, he requested permission to retain the tanker on school premises until a comprehensive investigation could be conducted.
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The Rector, equally shaken by the tragedy, addressed the grieving students, offering condolences and reassurances. While empathizing with their anguish, she implored restraint and cautioned against any actions that could exacerbate the situation. Though she pledged to consider the students' demands, she emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to carry out their investigation unhindered.
The Area Commander echoed similar sentiments, urging students to cooperate with authorities as they conducted a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of Ogechi's death. He emphasized the significance of preserving the tanker as evidence and pledged to provide updates to the SUG President as the investigation progressed.
As the Abia State Polytechnic community grapples with profound loss and simmering grievances over safety concerns and administrative practices, the tragic death of Ezekiel Mary Ogechi serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability within the institution. Amidst mourning, students and faculty alike stand united in their quest for justice and meaningful change.
