The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), has distanced itself from the tragic incident involving a young man who died after jumping from a three-storey building in Ifite-Awka on Wednesday, June 5, 2025.
The victim, identified as 28-year-old Kenneth Oyeaka Rapuchukwu from Aguleri, reportedly jumped from a building known as Seat of Wisdom Lodge after allegedly taking an illicit substance. The incident, which was captured in a video that went viral on social media, sparked confusion and concern, with many assuming the deceased was a student of UNIZIK.
In response, the university has issued a formal statement to set the record straight. According to Mr. Louis Njelita, the Head of Information and Public Relations/Protocols of the institution, Kenneth Rapuchukwu was not a student of UNIZIK.
“The attention of the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been drawn to a tragic incident involving one Mr. Kenneth Oyeaka Rapuchukwu,” the statement read. “Contrary to reports and social media speculations, investigations have confirmed that the deceased is not a student of our institution.”
The university said it had no direct link to the man or the circumstances surrounding his death. It also clarified that the Seat of Wisdom Lodge, where the incident happened, is a private residential facility not owned or operated by the university.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at a mortuary, while security agencies have launched a full investigation to determine what led to the incident.
While the exact cause of the tragedy is yet to be officially confirmed, eyewitnesses and some reports suggest the young man may have consumed a dangerous substance before the fall.
In its statement, UNIZIK urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation. The institution also highlighted the availability of support systems for mental health and substance abuse issues within the campus.
“The University’s Centre for Counselling and Career Development is well-equipped to handle psychological and substance-related issues affecting students and staff. This makes it unlikely that the victim had any ties to our student community,” Mr. Njelita added.
The university called for public cooperation with ongoing investigations and thanked the community for its understanding during what it described as a sensitive period.
Residents of Ifite-Awka, where the building is located, have expressed shock over the incident. Some described it as a disturbing reflection of rising mental health and substance abuse concerns among young people in the area.
While the investigation continues, the incident has once again brought attention to the issue of drug abuse and the need for mental health support in Nigerian communities, especially among the youth.
As of the time of this report, no arrests have been made, and the police have yet to release an official statement on the case.