ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA – A final-year student of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, identified as Favour Ugwuka, was tragically found dead in her hostel at the Ishieke Campus of the university. The incident, which has shocked the university community, is believed to be a case of suicide, allegedly due to her inability to pass a particular course.
Favour, a final-year student in the Department of English, reportedly took her own life after repeated failures in a course taught by Dr. Enyi, who allegedly vowed she would never pass. According to classmates, Favour had struggled with this course multiple times, which significantly affected her academic progression.
In a viral video, Favour’s distraught mother blamed Dr. Enyi for her daughter’s death. “Dr. Enyi said he is the best, that nobody can teach like him. He should come and carry my daughter,” she lamented, holding the lecturer responsible for the immense pressure that led to Favour’s tragic decision.
Rex Nwome, a classmate of the deceased, confirmed Favour’s struggles with the course. “Favour had been failing the particular course repeatedly. Dr. Enyi did vow never to allow her to graduate from the department,” Nwome stated. He further explained that despite passing all other courses, Favour’s consistent failure in Dr. Enyi’s course forced her to pay additional tuition fees for an extra year to retake it. “Unfortunately, the man failed her again,” Nwome added.
The final straw for Favour appeared to be the recent release of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) list, where her name was notably absent. This omission reportedly exacerbated her depression, leading to her untimely death.
The university community is in mourning, and the incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Favour’s death. Students and staff alike are demanding accountability and a review of the teaching and assessment practices within the Department of English.
Authorities at Ebonyi State University have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, students are planning a peaceful protest to demand justice for Favour and ensure that such a tragedy does not recur.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the critical need for mental health support and fair academic practices in educational institutions. As the investigation unfolds, the university community hopes for transparency and justice in memory of Favour Ugwuka.