Tragedy in Awka: UNIZIK Student Dies After Jumping from Building Following Substance Use
A devastating incident has rocked the academic community of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, following the death of a student who jumped from a three-storey building after reportedly consuming an unknown substance. The event, which occurred on Thursday evening, has cast a pall of mourning and raised serious concerns about substance abuse among students and the mental health crisis facing Nigeria’s youth.
According to eyewitness reports, the tragedy unfolded around 8 p.m. at a student lodge located near Royal Kitchen Junction in Ifite-Awka, not far from the university’s main gate. Residents of the building said they were alarmed by a sudden, loud thud. Rushing outside, they were met with a harrowing sight — a young man, bloodied and motionless, lying critically injured at the foot of the building.
Efforts were made to save his life, but they proved unsuccessful. The victim was confirmed dead shortly after emergency services arrived on the scene.
The student, whose identity is being withheld pending official notification of next of kin, was described by neighbors as a quiet and private individual. His sudden and shocking death has triggered a wave of disbelief and sorrow across the university campus and beyond.
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In the immediate aftermath of the incident, concerned residents entered the student’s room, only to find his roommate in a disoriented and incoherent state. Authorities believe that both young men had consumed the same unidentified substance, which may have contributed to the victim’s fatal decision. The roommate, currently in protective custody, is said to be under observation and will be formally questioned once he regains stability.
University management and the Anambra State Police Command have not released an official statement yet, but sources close to the investigation suggest that authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. There are also growing calls from students and parents alike for an independent inquiry into the availability and regulation of psychoactive substances in and around student lodges.
This tragic incident has reignited conversations about student welfare, mental health awareness, and the unchecked prevalence of recreational drug use on university campuses. With mounting academic pressure, economic hardship, and limited mental health resources, many Nigerian students find themselves vulnerable to risky behaviors and harmful coping mechanisms.
UNIZIK, like many institutions in Nigeria, faces systemic challenges when it comes to supporting the psychological and emotional wellbeing of its students. While counseling services exist in theory, access remains limited, and stigma around mental health continues to discourage many from seeking help.
The local community around Ifite-Awka is also facing scrutiny, as concerns grow over how easily young people can access harmful substances. The commercial zone near the lodge where the incident occurred is known for its nightlife and unregulated shops, which some allege have become a haven for the sale of illegal or dangerous drugs.
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Activists and student leaders are already calling for swift reforms. They want increased campus security, stricter regulation of student lodges, and the implementation of mental health awareness campaigns backed by real institutional support.
Meanwhile, the university community mourns a life cut short. Candlelight vigils are being planned by the Student Union Government and other student organizations, who have expressed their condolences and committed to pushing for reforms that could prevent such tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue, the identity of the unknown substance remains a key question. Toxicology reports are expected to shed more light in the coming days. What is already clear, however, is that this young man’s death should serve as a sobering reminder: Nigeria’s youth are in crisis, and the silence surrounding their struggles is costing lives.
UNIZIK Student confirmed d€ad as he Jumps from 3-storey build After Taking Unknown Substance,Tragedy struck on Thursday evening after a male student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, jumped to his death after allegedly consuming unknown substance.The student was said to have jumped from a three storey building about 8pm and all efforts to save his life proved unsuccessful.The incident according to sources happened at a lodge near Royal Kitchen Junction, Ifite-Awka, a location not far from the university gate.It was learnt that residents of the building heard a loud thud, prompting them to rush to the scene where the young man was found lying in a pool of his own blood, critically injured.When concerned residents checked his room, his roommate was found in an incoherent state, and believed to be under the influence of the same substances they had taken earlier.The roommate is currently in custody and will be questioned further once he regains stability.
For The Love Of Anambra.
