IMT Enugu Bans Post-Exam Celebrations After Student's Death

IMT Enugu Restricts Post-Exam Celebrations, Cites Safety Concerns

“Following this regrettable mishap, the Institute, in an emergency joint meeting of management and academic board...”

IMT Enugu mourns student's death after reckless driving incident during post-exam celebration; new safety protocols announced.

Tragedy struck at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, Enugu State, after a newly graduated student's reckless driving resulted in the loss of one life and injured two others during a celebration. This incident led to the authorities imposing a ban on all forms of celebrations by students after their final year examinations.

The ban was announced by the Acting Rector of IMT, Emeka Ejim, through a circular issued on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident occurred when the unidentified graduating student ploughed his car into a crowd of other students while celebrating.

The tragic incident occurred at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, involving a graduating student who lost control of his vehicle while driving recklessly. The reckless driving resulted in the death of Chiamaka Ozoigbondu, a student of Peaceland College of Health Science and Technology, Emene.

In light of this tragic event, the management of IMT has taken steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. The ban on celebrations is aimed at preventing similar incidents and maintaining a secure environment within the institution.

According to IMT's Acting Rector, Emeka Ejim, the institution has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. As a sign of respect and mourning, the school has declared a three-day mourning period, effective from Wednesday to Friday.

During this period, the institution will fly its flags at half-mast, and various activities will be suspended or adjusted accordingly. This somber gesture reflects the school's commitment to honoring Chiamaka's memory and supporting the affected family and community.

“Following this regrettable mishap, the Institute, in an emergency joint meeting of management and academic board on 2 October 2024, resolved that all forms of celebration after examinations are hereby banned in the Institute,” the acting rector said.

“Students found celebrating within the Institute will face expulsion, and no amount of pressure will make IMT rescind it.”

Enugu polytechnic imposes 20km/h speed limit on campus to curb reckless driving.

“Any driver found violating this rule shall be arrested and handed over to law enforcement agents,” he said.

The acting rector of IMT Enugu has announced a significant policy change, banning police escorts for wealthy students on campus, effective immediately. This decision aims to promote a safer and more equal learning environment for all students. No longer will affluent students receive special treatment or privileges, such as being escorted by police officers into the institution. This move is part of the rector's efforts to enhance campus security and prevent incidents like the recent tragic accident involving a reckless driver. By eliminating police escorts, the institution hopes to foster a culture of fairness, equality, and responsibility among its students.

“Their (law enforcement officers) presence makes it impossible for IMT security men to control these students,” he said, adding that the management would consider fencing the school.

Ejim announces stricter exam protocols: Students required to wear uniforms, display ID cards, and sign conduct pledge.

Highlights 

Victim: Chiamaka Ozoigbondu, Peaceland College of Health Science and Technology student

Incident: Reckless driving by unidentified graduating IMT student

Response: 3-day mourning period (Wednesday-Friday), condolences to family

Institution: Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu

About IMT

The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) is a state-owned polytechnic established in 1973, offering various courses in fields like technology, management, and engineering. With a strong focus on indigenous technological development, IMT strives to produce highly skilled graduates equipped to drive Nigeria's technological growth.