Students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, are demanding justice after the sudden death of Ajana Isabella, a law student, who reportedly lost her life due to being denied access to her insulin medication. Ajana, a diabetic residing at Elmada Hostel, was said to have suffered a medical emergency after she and her roommates misplaced their room key, which locked away her insulin.
The students sought help from the hostel mistress, identified as Madam Bright, pleading for a spare key to retrieve the medication. However, eyewitnesses allege that the mistress insisted they first pay a total of ₦120,000—₦40,000 each from the three roommates—as required by hostel policy. Despite their explanations of the urgent medical need and their inability to raise the money on the spot, their request was reportedly turned down.
Ajana’s health deteriorated rapidly before she could access her medication. She was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after. Her death has triggered outrage and sorrow across campus, with many students condemning the incident as a clear case of cruelty and neglect. “This was a life-and-death situation. She didn’t have to die,” one student said.
University officials have launched an investigation into the matter, but the current location of the hostel mistress remains unknown.
