UNIZIK Investigates Law Student’s Death Following Hostel Lockout

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has launched an investigation into the tragic death of Isabella Ajana, a 100-level Law student who died after being locked out of her hostel and unable to access critical medication. 

Ajana, who lived at Emalda Hostel, a privately operated facility near the university, passed away on Friday, July 4, following days of hospitalization at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital. 

She had been admitted on Monday, June 30. 

The ordeal began on Friday, June 27, when Ajana and her roommates accidentally locked themselves out of their room. Attempts to access a spare key reportedly failed because the custodian was out of state. 

Ajana, who had Type 1 diabetes, could not access her insulin, which was left inside the locked room. 

By Sunday night, her condition had worsened significantly. 

The room was finally opened on Monday morning, but the delay led to severe health complications. 

She was initially taken to the UNIZIK Medical Centre, then referred to the teaching hospital due to the seriousness of her case. Though she showed signs of recovery on Thursday, she died the next day. 

The university only officially confirmed her death on July 8, after her mother informed one of Isabella’s close friends. The news has sparked outrage and grief on campus, with students demanding accountability and better welfare measures. 

In a statement released on Thursday, Mr. Njelita Louis, the university’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, expressed condolences and confirmed an internal probe: 

“The university is deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of Miss Isabella Ajana. We are actively working to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.” 

The investigation will focus on hostel management practices, emergency response protocols, and student welfare policies at Emalda Hostel. Louis urged the public and student community to remain calm as the inquiry proceeds. 

Ajana’s death follows closely after another incident involving a 300-level Microbiology student named Tochi, who reportedly collapsed and died while playing football. 

The two back-to-back tragedies have intensified scrutiny of campus safety and healthcare readiness at UNIZIK.