The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Andy Egwunyenga has instituted a five-man panel of enquiry to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of a100 level Student of the Department of Fine Art/ Education, Mr. Eugene Ayaemene on Saturday, June 17, 2023. According to a statement personally signed by the Vice Chancellor, “This is to assure the Students and the University at large that anyone found professionally culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the extant University regulations.”
He urged all students ”to remain calm and conduct themselves peacefully as adequate steps are being taken to prevent a re-occurrence of this ugly incident in future”. The incident also elicited reactions from the Students who condemned it and supported the setting up of a Committee by the University Management ”to investigate the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident with a view to unravel the cause of the demise of our dear student”.
The President of the Students’ Union, Mr. Caleb Ogagaoghene Okupa stated that in view of the steps taken so far “all Delsuites are advised to remain calm and law abiding in order to avoid the breakdown of law and order.” In their reaction, the students had on Monday morning staged a peaceful demonstration, trekking from Site 3 to Site 2 of the University in black attires.
They had a stop over at the Vice-Chancellor’s office before proceeding to the University Health Centre. The Vice-Chancellor, who had earlier declared Monday, June 19, 2023, lecture-free had to extend the period to Friday of same week following a meeting with the students’ representatives to enable the students to pay their last respect to their departed colleague.
In a bid to calm down the students, the Vice Chancellor, a responsible and caring father, had earlier addressed the students at the University Quadrangle in Site 2 where he expressed gratitude to them for being peaceful in expressing displeasure over the death of their colleague.
He assured them that the Committee already set up would complete its assignment expeditiously to enable Management to take appropriate measures to make the University Health Centre provide better services to the University Community. – Professor Ben Nwanne is the Director, Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations, Delta State University, Abraka.
