AWKA, Nigeria (BN24) — Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has taken disciplinary action following the death of a 100-level law student, Isabella Chioma Ajana, who died on July 9, 2025, after reportedly being denied access to her insulin medication due to a dispute over a spare hostel key.
In a statement released Friday, August 22, the university confirmed that medical personnel involved in Ajana’s care at the UNIZIK Medical Centre have been suspended for three months, pending the outcome of a full investigation. The disciplinary move marks the university’s first official step in addressing widespread outrage sparked by the student’s death.
Ajana, who was managing a diabetic condition, was rushed to the university’s medical facility on July 6 but succumbed to complications three days later. Her death drew public attention after her roommates at Elmada Hostel alleged that critical delays in accessing her insulin medication contributed to her condition deteriorating.
According to the roommates, they lost access to their room after misplacing their key and approached the hostel mistress for a spare. The mistress allegedly demanded a N120,000 fee—N40,000 per occupant—before releasing the replacement key. Despite the roommates pleading that Ajana urgently needed her insulin, the hostel staff reportedly refused to relent, leading to a critical delay that may have worsened her health.
UNIZIK, while confirming Elmada as a hostel jointly owned with the institution but privately managed, distanced itself from the handling of the matter by the hostel management. The university has formally requested that the hostel immediately terminate the employment of the hostel mistress involved, calling her actions “deeply troubling.” The statement also noted that the university will reevaluate its partnership with the Elmada Hostel in light of the incident.
The institution assured students and the public that it is committed to uncovering the full facts surrounding the tragedy and will not hesitate to take further action against any individuals found culpable in the events that led to Ajana’s death.
