The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has confirmed the death of Miss Isabella Ajana, a 100-level Law student, and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Isabella died on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, where she had been admitted since Monday, June 30. Her death comes just days after a separate tragedy involving a 300-level Microbiology student, identified as Tochi, who collapsed and died while playing football.
Reports revealed that Isabella’s ordeal began on the night of Friday, June 27, when she and her roommates were locked out of their room at Emalda Hostel after mistakenly leaving their key inside.
Efforts to access the spare key were unsuccessful, as the key custodian was reportedly out of the state and unavailable until Monday morning.
A hostel resident, who spoke anonymously, said, “By Sunday night, Isabella’s condition worsened. She was a Type 1 diabetes patient, and her insulin and other essential medications were locked in the room. Though she tried to manage without them, her health deteriorated rapidly.”
When access was finally gained to the room on Monday morning, Isabella’s condition had already declined severely. She was first taken to the UNIZIK Medical Centre, which reportedly lacked the facilities to treat her and referred her to the teaching hospital.
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Although there were initial signs of improvement by Thursday, she tragically passed away the following day.
Her death was not publicly announced until Tuesday, July 8, reportedly at the request of her family. Her mother later informed a close friend, confirming the heartbreaking news.
The incident has sparked widespread grief and outrage across the university community, with calls for accountability and improved student welfare.
Some of Isabella’s friends and hostel mates alleged that hostel management demanded up to ₦40,000 before releasing the spare key—an allegation the university has denied.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Acting Director of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis, confirmed the incident and the ongoing investigation.
“The attention of the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been drawn to the distressing incident involving Miss Isabella Ajana, a 100-level student in the Faculty of Law,” the statement read. “The university is committed to uncovering the full truth behind this unfortunate situation and is taking immediate steps to address all issues involved.”
Louis added that the school is closely examining the operations, management, and security of Emalda Hostel, which is privately owned but located within the university environment.
“We urge the public and the university community to remain calm as the investigation progresses. The university will ensure transparency and provide updates on the findings and outcomes of the inquiry.”
The university reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and welfare, vowing to prevent such tragedies in the future.
