Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has declared three days of mourning following the deaths of four students at an off-campus gathering in Nsukka, Enugu State.

The university also suspended all academic and social activities during the mourning period and clarified that four students, not seven as reported in some accounts, died in the incident.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday, following the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

He explained that 10 students attended the gathering organised to celebrate a friend who had completed his final-year examinations.

According to him, the students reportedly consumed substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs, after which four of them died. The remaining six were taken to different hospitals, where they are receiving medical treatment.

Describing the incident as “a death too many”, Ortuanya said the university had decided to suspend academic and social activities for three days in honour of the deceased.

“Within these three days, all social and academic activities will be suspended in the university,” he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced the suspension of a town hall meeting scheduled between the university community and the Enugu State Governor, appreciating the governor for his understanding.

He expressed sympathy with the families and friends of the deceased, as well as members of the university community affected by the tragedy.

Ortuanya further dismissed claims that all the students involved were from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, explaining that they belonged to different departments.

He restated the university’s prohibition of sign-out celebrations and urged students to avoid activities that could put their lives at risk.

The Vice-Chancellor said the completion of academic programmes should be a time for reflection and responsible celebration rather than reckless conduct.

He added that the university was working with security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the students’ deaths.