Tragedy has struck at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, with a final year student of Microbiology, Francis Chinedu Madubuobi, collapsing on a basketball court playing the game, dying shortly afterwards.

Yesterday, students of the university took to the streets to protest the tragedy. They lamented the lackadaisical attitude of the medical personnel at the university’s medical centre, alleging that they did not do enough to save the life of Francis, who was still gasping for breath when they arrived the hospital.

But, on the contrary, the Director of Information of the university, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the deceased was brought into the clinic without any pulse.

According to him, the deceased was after examination rushed to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku where he was also confirmed dead.

A student of the institution said he was among those that rushed Francis to the medical centre, adding that on arrival to the clinic, medical personnel at the clinic asked them to pray for his survival.

He said: “I was inside the ambulance holding Francis’ foot. It was damn cold; his eyes were already open. I was scared. I knew only a miracle could save happen since he had no pulse. On getting to Amaku, the doctors saw that it was already too late,”

However, the demonstration came on the heels of a call by the Committee of Faculty Presidents of the institution who on hearing of Francis' demise, called out a demonstration for Monday.

A statement by the Faculty presidents reads: “The events leading to the death of Francis is one that is extremely worrisome to students of this institution as it could happen to any one of us or our close friend,

“This is the second time that a student had died in similar circumstances at the university’s medical centre.”

The students vowed to continue with the protest until the management of the university not only address them but make commitment to resolve the issues so far raised by the students.

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