The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Idoko David Ikechukwu, a 600-level pharmacy student who lost his life in a fatal road accident in Enugu. The incident, which involved a cement truck and multiple vehicles, has sparked outrage among alumni and renewed calls for urgent safety reforms.
The deceased, who was the only son of his parents, was reportedly on his way to clinical training at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, when the crash occurred.
In response, the Noble Foundation Pharmacists, an influential alumni group of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has petitioned the UNN Governing Council, demanding immediate intervention to safeguard students undergoing clinical postings outside the Nsukka campus.
The petition, signed by Pharm. Chidiebere Ugwu, Emeritus President of the Foundation, condemned the unsafe conditions and poor logistical support endured by final-year pharmacy students. The group described David’s death as avoidable and a direct consequence of neglect.
According to the petition, pharmacy students face multiple dangers including:
- Lack of proper accommodation at Ituku Ozalla.
- Poorly lit rental houses and unsafe living environments.
- Absence of security personnel in student hostels.
- Dangerous transportation routes leading to fatal accidents.
- No emergency response systems.
- Lack of basic amenities such as water, rest areas, and food services.
- Insufficient supervision, as coordinating lecturers are based in Nsukka.
The alumni insisted that these conditions jeopardize both the academic success and physical safety of student pharmacists. They called for:
- Immediate relocation of students back to Nsukka campus for safety reasons.
- Provision of a temporary clinical training site within Nsukka.
- Expansion of the UNTH satellite location at Obukpa for long-term training.
- Establishment of support services including hostel accommodation, meal plans, and emergency medical care.
- Regular consultations with student representatives to ensure continuous feedback.
The group urged the Governing Council to treat the matter as urgent, stressing that no student should have to risk their life in pursuit of education.
Reacting to the petition, Prof. C.S. Nworu, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, expressed grief over the student’s death but blamed the tragedy on reckless drivers and bad roads in Enugu. He assured that the university remained committed to strengthening student welfare and improving safety conditions.
The death of David has intensified debates over the safety of Nigerian students during clinical training and industrial postings, with calls for universities to prioritize student welfare alongside academic excellence.
