Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden and mysterious death of a final-year student, Emem Okon Jimmy, from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.
Emem reportedly died in her sleep on Thursday, July 17, 2025. However, her lifeless body was not discovered until the evening of Friday, July 18, by concerned neighbors at her student lodge.
According to eyewitness accounts, Emem had appeared healthy the day before her death and even shared dinner with fellow tenants. Her absence throughout the following day raised suspicions, prompting the lodge caretaker to raise an alarm around 10:00 p.m.
After repeated failed attempts to reach her, residents broke into her room through the ceiling and found her body lying face-down on the bed, clutching her mobile phone. Witnesses noted traces of blood from her nose, which had stained the mattress—raising concerns of a possible medical emergency.
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Her elder brother was contacted and traveled from Uyo to Ikot Ekpene to retrieve her body for transfer to a mortuary.
During a candlelight procession held ahead of her burial on Saturday, July 25, the Head of Department, Dr. Inemesit Umoren, offered words of comfort, urging students to stay strong and prioritize their health. He reminded them that only God understands the mysteries of life and death.
The incident has sparked emotional tributes and renewed calls for routine medical checkups among students.