The death of a 600-level pharmacy student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during clinical training at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, has triggered outrage and a petition from the university’s alumni.

In a strongly worded appeal to the UNN Governing Council, the Noble Foundation, an alumni group of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, condemned the unsafe and inadequate conditions faced by student pharmacists at Ituku Ozalla.

The petition followed the circulation of a disturbing video showing the young student’s body crushed by a vehicle along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

“This boy could be your son or mine. He could have discovered the cure for cancer, he could have been the future President of Nigeria, and who knows whether he was the messiah we were all waiting for? Unfortunately, his dreams were cut short yesterday. Who knows the next victim of this avoidable circumstance?” the petition queried.

The alumni accused the university of neglecting its students by forcing them into unsafe housing in the Ituku Ozalla village, where they rent “face-me-I-face-you” apartments without basic amenities, lighting, or security.

They lamented the absence of proper accommodation, poor transportation routes, lack of emergency response systems, and the fact that coordinating lecturers remain stationed at Nsukka campus, leaving the students without adequate supervision.

“These conditions not only hinder their ability to focus on clinical training but also pose serious risks to their health, well-being, and very lives,” said Chidiebere Ugwu, Emeritus President of the Noble Foundation, who signed the petition.

“Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, especially when engaging in essential hands-on training that is critical to their professional development.”

The group called for the immediate relocation of pharmacy students back to the Nsukka campus on safety grounds, temporary use of facilities within Nsukka for clinical training, and long-term expansion of the UNTH satellite location at Obukpa.

They also demanded the establishment of accommodation, meal plans, emergency medical care, and consistent consultations with student representatives.

“We trust that the Governing Council will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure students can pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment,” the petition reads. (Daily Sun)