The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has declared a three-day mourning period and suspended all academic and social activities following the tragic death of four students at an off-campus party in Nsukka, Enugu State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, reportedly involved 10 students who gathered at an off-campus residence to celebrate one of their colleagues who had completed his final-year examinations.
Addressing journalists on the tragedy, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, disclosed that four of the students died after allegedly consuming unidentified substances, while the remaining six are currently receiving medical attention at different stages of recovery in various hospitals.
Describing the incident as a devastating loss, the Vice-Chancellor declared three days of mourning, during which all academic and social activities across the university would be suspended.
He described the deaths as “a death too many”, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the young students.
Ortuanya also announced the suspension of a town hall meeting earlier scheduled between the university community and the Enugu State Governor, thanking the governor for his understanding.
He extended the university management’s condolences to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, assuring them that the institution shares in their grief.
“The Management, staff and students of the University of Nigeria share in their grief at this difficult moment and pray for the repose of the souls of the departed,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor further dismissed reports suggesting that all the students involved in the incident were from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, clarifying that they belonged to different departments of the university.
He reiterated the university’s ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations, warning students against reckless activities capable of endangering their lives.
According to him, graduation should be a period of reflection and thanksgiving rather than an excuse for excessive and dangerous celebrations.
Ortuanya added that the university was working closely with relevant security agencies to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The tragic incident has thrown the university community into mourning, with six other students still undergoing treatment as investigations continue.
