Nigerian university in mourning after four students die at post-exam party

In Nsukka, a town in south-eastern Nigeria, a post-exam party turned tragic as four students passed away. The cause of their death remains unknown, but police suspect it was due to alcohol consumption at the gathering. The University of Nigeria Nsukka has declared three days of mourning, suspending all academic and social activities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, stated that the preliminary investigation suggests alcohol abuse or drug use, but they have not reached a definitive conclusion. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of these young lives and announced a ban on post-graduation celebrations. The university is collaborating with security forces to determine the cause of the deaths, while the police have also launched an investigation after recovering alcohol bottles from the scene.

This incident occurs amid a nationwide crackdown on unsafe alcoholic beverages, with the food and drug regulator, Nafdac, investigating suspected producers of contaminated drinks. In September, over 150 people fell ill and more than 11 died after consuming contaminated alcoholic drinks in Ondo State, highlighting the ongoing public health concerns surrounding unsafe alcohol consumption in Nigeria.