Contrary to reports that David Ogbonna, the late student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, committed suicide as a result of hike in school fees, the deceased’s mother said his son might have died of frustration from poor academic records.
The remains of the 200-level student of industrial physics were last Friday allegedly found hanging inside his room.
His mother, Mrs Esther Ogbonna, while clarifying her son’s death, said, “My son couldn’t have died of financial incapabilities. Apart from our support to him and that of his siblings, he was doing many minor jobs like tailoring and laundry to support himself.
“During my last discussion with him, I encouraged him to work hard on the course to remedy the deficiency in next exams. His tone wasn’t lamentations to warrant taking his life the next moment.”
The management of the university, weekend, described the incident as tragic.
The acting head, information and public relations, Chika Ene, in a statement, said, “The university community is saddened by the death of our student David Ogbonna allegedly via suicide.
“He was found inside a wardrobe dangling with a rope round his neck.
“The incident occurred on 20th August, 2021 at the male hostel inside the university premises. Media reports attributed his death to hike in school fees.
“But, rather than subscribing to unverified media reports, we embarked on a thorough investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the unfortunate demise of a future star by inviting everyone that needed to speak over the incident.
“The university management, upon hearing the sad news, carried out due protocols by inviting the university’s medical centre and the Nigeria Police Force who evacuated the body to the mortuary.
“The university management and the NPF have consequently launched investigations into the alleged suicide act by the late student and it’s ongoing.
“The parents also met with the university management to uncover their side of the story to be able to unravel the mystery behind his death.
“The parents of the late student, Pastor and Mrs Ogbonna, affirmed that hike in school fees wouldn’t have been the reason for their son’s death as they provided everything he needed.
“The mother, Mrs Esther Ogbonna, revealed that their late son was hardworking as he ventured into some vocational jobs like tailoring and laundry services to augment the provisions from home.
“She said that her son also complained about his poor performance, as she recalled in one of her conversations with the late son where he expressed displeasure over one of his results, and she advised him to buckle up in subsequent examinations to remedy the deficiency.
“While the university management is relentless and keen in her investigation of this ugly incident, it is however disheartening that some media houses have already embarked on a mission to tarnish the university’s image disregarding the place of thorough investigation in journalism.”
He advised students with problems to consult the institution’s guidance and counselling unit for solutions.
