Fees Hike Not Responsible For Our Son’s Death— Zik Varsity Student’s Family
Contrary to media reports that late David Ogbonna, a 200L Industrial Physics’s Student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka committed suicide as a result of hike in school fees, the parents have said he died of frustration arising from poor grade.
Ogbona who died on Aug. 20 was found in his wardrobe dangling with rope around his neck in the Boys Hostel within the institution’s premises.
The parents, Pastor and Mrs Esther Ogbonna said this when they met with the school authorities as part of efforts at unravelling the ministry behind their son’s death.
They expressed surprise at the hasty conclusion by the media, saying all his needs were provided for without much difficulty.
Mrs Esther Ogbonna, the deceased mother who spoke on behalf of the family said that the media reports were misleading and diversionary, while commending the institution’s management for steps so far taken to unravel the mystery behind the death of their son.
She demanded that security should do all that they could to trace and unravel the cause of her son’s death.
According to her, my son couldn’t have died of financial incapabilities, aside from our support to him and that of his siblings,he was hardworking and did so many menial jobs like tailoring and laundry to support himself.
“My son complained of his poor grade in one of his courses in first year during her last discussion a day before his demise. I encouraged him to work hard on the course to remedy the deficiency.
” His tone was not that of lamentations to warrant taking his life the next moment,” she said.
Samuel Ogbonna, a brother to the deceased corroborated the account of Esther, saying his late brother did not lack any material need including financial to take his own life.
Samuel said he was still shocked as to why his brother would hang himself, dismissing the media claim that it was caused by hike in fees.
Meanwhile, the management of the NAU said the University community was saddened by the ugly incident and would leave no stone unturned to unravel the mystery behind the alleged suicide.
In a Statement signed by Chika Ene, Ag. Head, Information and Public Relations/Chief Protocol Officer of the University , the university asked for calm by all staff and students.
The management assured that it was doing everything possible in the right direction concerning the incident.
“The University Management upon hearing the sad news carried out due protocol by inviting the University’s Medical centre and the Nigerian Police Force who evacuated the body to the mortuary.
“The University Management and the NPF have consequently launched investigation into the alleged suicide act by the late student and its currently ongoing.
“The parents also met with the University Management to discover their side of the story to be able to unravel the mystery behind his death.
“The parents of the late student, Pastor and Mrs. Ogbonna during the meeting with University Management, Council and the SUG categorically stated that hike in school fees wouldn’t have been the reason for their son’s death as they provided everything he needed.
“Staff and students are encouraged to visit the Centre for Counselling and Career Development which was created on the heels of the assumption of the Vice-Chancellor.
