UNN Tragedy: Mbah Calls for Ban on Sign-Out Parties

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called for a ban on sign-out parties in tertiary institutions following the deaths of four students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during an off-campus celebration.

The governor also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, which reportedly left six other students hospitalised.

Mbah announced the decisions in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Mazi Uche Anichukwu, describing the deaths as a painful loss to the affected families, the university and Enugu State.

He said the government would work with UNN authorities and security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent similar occurrences.

“I received with rude shock and deep sense of loss the news of the off-campus sign-out party leading to the death of four students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and hospitalisation of six others,” the governor said.

“This is a grievous loss not only to the immediate families of the deceased and the university, but also to us as a state. Losing them in their prime and along with their promising future cuts as deeply as a sharp knife.

“We, therefore, share in this grief and pray God to grant their families, friends, and the UNN community the equanimity to bear the heartbreaking loss.”

Mbah expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased, particularly their parents, who had made sacrifices to support their children’s university education.

“Our hearts go out to their parents in particular, who sacrificed personal comforts to sponsor their children through the university, but only to face this sad turn of events,” he said.

As part of the government’s response, the governor said he had suspended his scheduled town hall meeting with the UNN community, which was due to be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, to allow the university community to mourn the deceased.

He also announced plans to work with tertiary institution authorities to enforce a ban on sign-out parties and other excessive celebrations, arguing that the practice had resulted in loss of lives and distress for families.

“Going forward, we will work with the authorities of tertiary institutions to enforce a full ban on sign-out parties and other excessive celebrations, a trend that has cost more lives and brought more sorrow than joy to families and higher institutions of learning,” he said.

The governor also called on relevant agencies and institutions to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug use and abuse.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased students and strength for their families and the UNN community to bear the loss.