Controversy Surrounds the Suicide of Ebonyi State University Final-Year Student

By AmforGod J. Olisa

A final-year student of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) in Abakaliki, identified as Favour Ugwuka, took her life on Wednesday night, sparking controversy and widespread grief.

Reports indicate that Ugwuka, a student in the Department of English at the university’s Ishieke Campus, was found dead in her hostel. Investigations reveal that while she passed all her courses, she consistently failed a particular course taught by a lecturer who allegedly vowed she would never pass.

Ugwuka reportedly fell into deep depression after multiple unsuccessful attempts to pass the course. She was frequently seen wandering alone on campus before deciding to take her life.

A video circulating online shows a woman identified as Ugwuka’s mother blaming the lecturer for her daughter’s suicide. In the video, the grieving mother states, “The lecturer said he is the best, that nobody can teach like him. He should come and carry my daughter who has committed suicide.”

Rex Nwome, a graduate of the institution and a close friend of Ugwuka, corroborated the mother’s claims. He explained, “Favour was my classmate and a best friend to me in the English Department. The lecturer vowed never to allow Favour to graduate. She passed all her courses except his and had to pay another year’s tuition to retake the course. Unfortunately, the lecturer failed her again. Her name was missing from the latest NYSC shortlist, leading to intense depression.”

Nwome added, “She suffered a lot of depression, wandering about EBSU seeking help. She was desperate to graduate and serve. This and many other issues led to her suicide. I wish she didn’t go this far to end her life. R. I. P. Ugwuka Favour till we meet to part no more.”

The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the incident. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated, “Yes, the command received the report of a suicide by a female student.”

Attempts to obtain a reaction from the university were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report