Akwa Ibom polytechnic mourns final year student who died in her sleep
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, is in mourning following the death of Emem Okon Jimmy, a final-year student in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.
Emem, a 24-year-old student in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, reportedly died in her sleep on Thursday, July 17, 2025. However, her body was not discovered until around 10:00 PM on Friday, after neighbours grew concerned about her unusual absence.
According to eyewitnesses at the student lodge, Emem was seen the previous night in good health and even shared dinner with fellow tenants. The situation took a tragic turn the following day when the lodge caretaker noticed that she had not come out of her room at all.
Concerned neighbours attempted to reach her but found the door locked from the inside. Eventually, they gained access to the room by removing part of the ceiling.
READ ALSO: Student dies over missing spare key, negligence
“She was found lying face-down, covered with her bedspread and clutching her phone tightly,” a tenant stated. “There was blood coming from her nose, and it had stained the mattress.”
Her elder brother was contacted immediately and arrived from Uyo to transport her remains to a mortuary.
The heartbreaking news has sent shockwaves across the institution. In honour of her memory, students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic held a candlelight procession on Thursday, July 24.
During the tribute, the Head of the Journalism and Media Studies Department, Dr. Inemesit Umoren, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and urged students to prioritize their health and seek regular medical checkups.
READ ALSO: Varsity student electrocuted while retrieving ball
Emem will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Uyo.
Meanwhile, an outpouring of grief has flooded social media as friends, classmates, and lecturers mourn her passing. A particularly emotional tribute came from Udemese Abasi James, a close friend, who expressed heartbreak and disbelief:
“We spoke in school just that Thursday. You promised to attend Friday’s lectures, but you didn’t make it. I keep replaying your voice messages, hoping to hear you again.”
“You called me ‘Mummy,’ but played the role of an elder sister. Jimmy, how could you leave like this?”
READ ALSO: OAU veterinarian killed by lion to be immortalised by university
“My story of school will never be complete without you. Rest well, My Friend, My Daughter. May God grant you eternal peace.”
The cause of death remains unknown as investigations are ongoing.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
