The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu has officially confirmed the tragic death of Chiamaka Ozoigbondu, a student of Peaceland College, Emene, Enugu, who lost her life in a road accident on IMT premises on September 30, 2024. In a press release issued on October 2, 2024, IMT extended its heartfelt condolences to Chiamaka’s family and all those affected by the incident. The management of IMT expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a promising young individual and vowed to take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response to this unfortunate event, IMT held an emergency meeting of its Management and Academic Board on October 2, where several resolutions were made. First, all remaining examinations were immediately suspended, and a three-day mourning period, from October 2 to October 4, 2024, was declared for staff and students. The management also announced that there would be no celebrations after examinations within the Institute, and any student caught violating this rule would face expulsion, without any possibility of reconsideration.
To prevent future accidents, IMT introduced a campus-wide speed limit of 20 km/h, with plans to erect signage to enforce this rule. Drivers who exceed this limit will be arrested and handed over to the authorities. Additionally, law enforcement officers will no longer be allowed to escort students onto campus, as their presence disrupts the security personnel’s ability to manage student activities.
Moving forward, IMT will tighten examination procedures, requiring all students to wear their departmental uniforms and identity cards, while signing a code of conduct for proper behavior. The institute will also enforce stricter gate passes and plans to construct fences around the campus for enhanced safety. Lastly, the two students injured in the accident are receiving medical attention, and the Institute is implementing other safety measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Signed by Dr. Emeka Patrick Ejim, Acting Rector of IMT, the statement concluded with a commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased and her family.