NaijaBlog reports a deeply saddening tragedy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, where a 300-level law student, Ajana Chioma Isabella, has reportedly lost her life after being denied timely access to her diabetes medication due to what sources describe as a hostel policy dispute.
Ajana, who had been managing type 1 diabetes for years, is said to have lost the key to her hostel room. When she approached hostel authorities for a spare, she was allegedly told that payment for a replacement key was mandatory — with no exceptions made, even in medical emergencies.
Collapsed From Hypoglycemic Shock and Died Days Later
Witnesses say Ajana spent hours without access to her medication and eventually collapsed in her hostel. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and diagnosed with hypoglycemic shock — a life-threatening condition caused by dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Despite medical efforts, she passed away a few days later, sparking outrage on social media and within the academic community. Students and rights advocates are demanding answers and accountability from the university's authorities.
UNIZIK Management Silent Amid Growing Outrage
As of the time of this report, UNIZIK’s management has not issued any official response regarding Ajana’s death. This silence has intensified public anger, especially on platforms like Twitter/X and Facebook, where hashtags such as #JusticeForAjana and #UNIZIKFailedUs have been trending.
Prominent student activists are calling for a review of hostel management policies, especially those that prioritize penalties over emergency response.
A Wake-Up Call on Student Health Crisis in Nigerian Universities
Ajana’s passing has reignited discussions on how Nigerian institutions treat students with chronic illnesses. Health experts emphasize that most university policies are not designed to accommodate medical emergencies, particularly for illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy.
Students living with conditions like Ajana’s require quick access to their medications, and standard hostel protocols must have provisions for medical exemptions.
Experts Call for Medical Protocol Integration
Medical and educational experts are urging UNIZIK and other institutions to:
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Ensure health education programs are part of hostel orientation
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Make provisions for chronic condition tags on student records
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Empower hostel staff with first aid and emergency decision training
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Build partnerships with nearby health institutions in Awka
Additionally, Nigeria’s Ministry of Education and National Universities Commission (NUC) have been called upon to standardize health protocols across universities nationwide.
Her Death Was Preventable
Human rights groups such as SERAP and Enough Is Enough Nigeria have condemned the incident, describing it as “institutional negligence.” Ajana’s case, they argue, is one of many unreported tragedies linked to outdated or inconsiderate school policies that put students' lives at risk.
They stress that if the hostel management had taken swift action, Ajana Chioma Isabella might still be alive today.
Ajana’s death is a powerful reminder that rigid systems without humanity can cost lives. As Nigerians mourn her, the question remains: How many more students will die before reforms are made?
May her soul rest in peace.
