Three medical students from Abia State University Uturu tragically lost their lives in a car accident shortly after attending their senior colleagues’ induction ceremony. The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening along the Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway at the Nunya axis, claimed the lives of two 500 level students and one 400 level student. They were en route to Aba from the university’s main campus in Uturu when the accident happened. Two other individuals traveling with them sustained injuries but were treated and discharged at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Nwogu, confirmed the incident, while the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, described it as a tragic event and visited the injured students at the hospital. The accident, reportedly caused by a burst tire leading to the driver losing control and hitting a tree, resulted in two immediate fatalities, with the third student passing away shortly after arriving at the hospital.
In other news, Governor Alex Otti emphasized the importance of support from successful medical professionals who graduated from ABSU to aid in the development of the institution. Speaking at the 30th induction ceremony of 129 medical doctors from ABSU, Governor Otti highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the university, including the renovation of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) and the restoration of its accreditation. He urged graduating doctors to remain in the country and contribute to addressing healthcare challenges rather than seeking opportunities abroad. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and highlighted the potential of the newly inducted doctors to represent the institution and the state positively. The ceremony also recognized outstanding graduates, including Dr. Obinna Onyemachi as the overall best graduating student and Dr. Uba Udochukwu as the best female graduating student.
