The Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, revealed a heartbreaking statistic on Friday, stating that 12 students of the institution have died over the last 10 months due to issues stemming from the lack of residential accommodation.
Speaking during the third Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture Series held at the university’s ETF Auditorium, Prof. Omenugha expressed her deep concern over the loss of lives, which she attributed to frequent road accidents involving students commuting to and from neighboring communities using tricycles and motorcycles.
“As a mother, I feel terrified by these incidents. Since I assumed office ten months ago, about twelve students have lost their lives in tricycle and motorcycle accidents along inter-community roads linking the university,” she lamented.
Prof. Omenugha highlighted the urgent need for student hostels and school buses to address the rising fatalities. She called on well-meaning individuals in Anambra State and beyond to support the university in tackling its accommodation challenges.
“We need hostels to reduce the rising spate of avoidable accidents. We also need staff quarters and other infrastructure. There are numerous opportunities for partnership,” she said, while acknowledging Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s efforts through the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative. However, she emphasized that government efforts alone are insufficient to address the institution’s pressing needs.
Call for Intervention:
The event, which featured a keynote lecture by Chief Osita Chidoka titled “Harnessing Education for National Development: Lessons from the Life and Vision of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu,” also drew notable dignitaries, including Anambra State Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, former Information Minister Mr. Labara Maku, and education expert Prof. Ngozi Chima-Udeh.
The tragic deaths of these students have ignited urgent calls for intervention to enhance student safety and prevent further loss of life. Stakeholders are being urged to collaborate on initiatives that would improve infrastructure and ensure the well-being of the university community.
