In a tragic turn of events, Favour Ugwuka, a final-year student at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, was found dead in her hostel at the Ishieke Campus.
The student, who was studying in the Department of English, is believed to have taken her own life.
Reports indicate that Favour had successfully completed most of her courses but had been struggling with one particular subject. Allegedly, the lecturer for this course had made it difficult for her to pass, leading to significant distress.
A distressing video circulating online shows Favour’s mother accusing the lecturer, identified as Dr. Enyi, of driving her daughter to suicide. In the video, she expresses her anguish, saying, “Dr. Enyi claimed he was the best and that no one could teach like him. Now he should come and see my daughter, who has taken her own life.”
Rex Nwome, a former classmate, provided further context, revealing that Favour had faced substantial academic challenges due to the lecturer’s actions. Despite passing all other courses, she was forced to pay an additional year’s tuition to retake the failed course, only to fail again. The recent release of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) list, which did not include her name, appeared to have deepened her despair.
Nwome described Favour as deeply depressed, constantly seeking assistance to graduate. He lamented, “She was desperate to graduate and serve. This persistent struggle and the latest setback pushed her over the edge. I wish she hadn’t felt this was her only option. Rest in peace, Ugwuka Favour.”
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. DSP Joshua Ukandu, the command’s spokesman, acknowledged the report of the student’s suicide, stating, “Yes, the command received the report of suicide by a female student.”
Attempts to obtain an official response from the university have so far been unsuccessful.