UNIZIK Law Student Dies After Allegedly Being Denied Access to Diabetes Medication

By Jackson Michelle Oluwatimilehin U19MM1068

Tragedy struck the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) community this week following the reported death of Chioma Isabella Ajana, an 18 year old law student, after she was allegedly denied access to her diabetes medication due to hostel policy enforcement.

According to accounts shared widely on social media platforms, Chioma reportedly lost her room key at her off-campus hostel, Elmada Hostel, in Awka. She allegedly approached the hostel mistress to request a spare key so she could retrieve her insulin medication. However, the hostel authority allegedly refused to provide access unless she paid ₦120,000 for the replacement key.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, July 7, 2025. Chioma, who was a known Type 1 diabetic, had her medication locked inside her room and went without insulin for over 48 hours. By Tuesday, July 9, she was said to have collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead.

While no official autopsy has been publicly released, multiple sources, including fellow students and close friends, claim that the lack of timely access to her diabetes treatment was the direct cause of her death. One of her hostel mates, who spoke under anonymity, said, “She kept begging them. We all knew Chioma was diabetic. Everyone knew. But they refused to open the door. They said she must pay first.”

The story quickly gained traction online after several users on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok shared her photos and story with the hashtag #JusticeForAjana. The outrage was particularly intense on TikTok, where videos demanding accountability from the hostel authorities were viewed thousands of times within hours.

Stella Dimoko Korkus, a Nigerian journalist and blogger, reported that the incident has sparked public demands for an investigation, noting that "the young lady could have been saved if there had been compassion and emergency measures in place."

Public reactions have been swift. Many Nigerians are calling for the hostel management, particularly the mistress allegedly involved, identified by students as "Madam Bright," to be held accountable. Others are urging the university and government to enforce student welfare and health safety policies more strictly, especially for students with chronic medical conditions.

However, as of the time of this report, UNIZIK management has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

This incident has reopened conversations about the welfare of students living in private or affiliated hostels and the need for emergency protocols when student health is at stake. A student of the university told reporters, “We cannot keep losing people because of negligence. Whether she paid or not, someone’s life was at risk, and no one acted fast enough.”

Until an official investigation is concluded and autopsy results are made public, the exact cause of Chioma’s death remains unconfirmed. But what is clear is that her death has left behind a community in mourning and a system under scrutiny.