Students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka staged a protest over the death of a 300 level student of Fine Arts, Ayaemene Eugene.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Egwunyenga in a statement on Sunday, called for calm, saying he “received with sadness the reported death of Ayaemene Eugene, a 300 level student of Fine Arts, after reference by the University Health Centre. An investigation has been instituted by the Vice-Chancellor on the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident”.
“This is to assure the students and the university community at large that anyone found professionally culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the extant university regulations.
“All students are urged to remain calm and conduct themselves peacefully as adequate steps are being taken to prevent the occurrence of this ugly incident in the future.” he added.
Eugene, an epileptic student, resident in Abraka Hall was rushed to the school’s Health Centre on Saturday. “He died while they were rushing him to a Warri hospital,” a student leader said.
Angry students were on their way to block the campus gate at Site 3 after they staged a protest on Sunday and continued early Monday at the main entrance in Site.
However, some students said the reason for their grievances was because of the ill treatment from the health workers that led to Ayaemene’s death.
Meanwhile, another student further explained that “he was down for two days and was at the University’s health centre. When students asked that he be referred from the hospital because his health was deteriorating, they told us that there was no fuel in the hospital’s van.”
The Dean of Students, Professor Iwegbue however promised to give clarifications on the incidence later today.
