UNN tightens grip on nightlife after fatal stabbing at student event

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has imposed a sweeping restriction on campus nightlife, ordering that all social activities must end by 6pm, following the fatal stabbing of a businessman during a student event.

The directive, signed by the institution’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Inya Egwu, was issued after the September 12 tragedy in which Chiebonam Nweze, popularly known as Power-Autos, lost his life at a departmental “burn fire” night organized by the students of Archaeology and Heritage Studies.

According to UNN management, the violence erupted when suspected miscreants from a neighboring community infiltrated the gathering. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the outsiders clashed with attendees, leading to the stabbing that claimed Nweze’s life.

The university described the development as a breach of security and pointed to lapses in monitoring large gatherings. “Social events of any kind will not be permitted on our campuses beyond 6pm henceforth,” the statement declared, emphasizing that future activities will only be approved under the supervision of the University Security Unit.

The clampdown has stirred debate within the university community. While some students view the measure as necessary to curb violence, others worry that it could stifle campus culture and limit freedom of association.

UNN, however, insists the restrictions are preventive. The administration pledged to “maintain a safe and secure environment for all members of its community” and assured that no compromise would be made on measures designed to avert a repeat of such deadly incidents.

Despite the firm stance, questions remain about how miscreants gained access to the university premises during the “burn fire” night and why security presence was insufficient to deter the violence. As the university enforces its new 6pm curfew on social gatherings, both students and staff await clearer answers on whether stricter entry controls or broader security reforms are on the horizon.