NSUKKA, Enugu State — The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon Ortuanya, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, confirmed the death of four students following an incident at an off-campus house party in the Hilltop area of Nsukka.
Addressing journalists, Ortuanya said 10 students of the university were involved in the gathering, which took place on Wednesday, November 11. The party was organised to celebrate a friend who had completed his final-year examinations.
“Unfortunately, four of them died after consuming substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs, while the remaining six are currently at various stages of recuperation in the hospital,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
He clarified that the students involved were from different academic departments, dismissing earlier reports that suggested they were all from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Ortuanya described the incident as “a death too many.” In response, the university management declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of the deceased. During this period, all social and academic activities across the university will be suspended.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced the suspension of a town hall meeting that had been scheduled between the university community and the Governor of Enugu State.
He expressed the university’s deep condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. “The Management, staff and the 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,” Ortuanya said.
The VC reiterated the institution’s existing ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations on its campuses, including Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku-Ozalla, and urged students to refrain from activities that could endanger their lives.
The Enugu State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed that the victims comprised two males and two females. Alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, and the remains of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy. Six other students were rushed to hospital for treatment.
The tragedy has cast a sombre mood over the university community.
About the Author
