Tragic Loss as Top Nigerian University Official Dies, Disturbing Details Emerge

Tragic Loss as Top Nigerian University Official Dies, Disturbing Details Emerge

  • A Non-Academic Staff Union member of staff of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Benin, Edo State, Prince Carter Oshodin, has committed suicide
  • According to reports, Oshodin committed suicide over frustration resulting from non-payment of salary and inability to pay his two young daughters’ school fees
  • Meanwhile, the Edo State command police public relation officer (PPRO), SP Chidi Nwabuzor has confirmed the unfortunate development

A staff member of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) identified simply as Prince Carter Oshodin committed suicide on Friday, September 9, in Umelu Community in Upper Sakponba, Edo state.

Vanguard reported that Oshodion, who was a data entry personnel at the university took his own life over alleged unfavourable financial conditions.

Carter Oshodin, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer
A member of staff of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prince Carter Oshodin, on Friday committed suicide over his dire financial situation. Photo credit: The Nation
Source: Facebook

Why Oshodin took his own life

It was alleged that Oshodin had not been paid salaries for months due to the strike action embarked upon by university unions.

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A professor in UNIBEN reacts

A professor in UNIBEN, who did not want his name mentioned, noted that it is disheartening that they had not been paid since the strike action began. He wondered why those who called off their strike were still not paid by the government, This Day report added.

He said:

“Yes he was our staff, he killed himself due to lack of money. Even some months ago, he was quoted to have been advising people on coping strategies and yet took his life which has put his family in a bigger problem.
“We have been paid no dime since we went on strike. This is the 10th of September, the non-academic staff members that have since resumed have not been paid anything.”

Oshodin's colleague reacted

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Another colleague simply known as Edward said Oshodin on his Facebook page lamented that he could not meet his financial commitments and was finding it increasingly difficult to pay his two daughters’ school fees.

He affirmed:

“He committed suicide on Friday and according to a post on his Facebook, he said he was facing financial difficulties and could not pay the school fees of his two young daughters. It is a pathetic situation.”

Police reacts

Edo State Command Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the matter was not reported to the police but the DPO of the area went to the community for an on-the-spot assessment where the community head confirmed the incident.

Nigerians react

Aniefiok Udonquak

"But this is not the way out of his financial crisis. Many people are going through this daily."

TheKinx Ifeanacho noted that

"The blood of this man will be upon pmb and his entire generation!!!!

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Chinedu Ikonne said

"No let them continue with the strike thinking it only affects the students."

Stephen Henry maintained that

"It takes enough courage to live in Nigeria.may God no let us see things that will make us take our life."

Patrick Gema noted

"And APC will go out to campaign to Nigerians to vote for them. They are always protecting cows."

Patrick Onwochei stated

"Pity! Such foolishness but APC's blame."

Stan Idoko urged

"Let’s divide the country make everyone go manage their resources. There’s no hope for a better future in Nigeria."

Anayo Christian said

"Rest in peace,a very helpless situation."

Alika Ogorchukwu: FG speaks on Nigerian man who was murdered in Italy, says they're holding series of meetings

The federal government, through Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has spoken about the death of Alika Ogorchukwu, who was murdered in Italy.

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FIJ NG earlier noted that the fight between the Italian, Ferlazzo, who beat Ogorchukwu, was filmed on Friday, July 29, on a street in central Italy.

In a video shared by Adeola Fayehun on Instagram, Abike said that the Nigerian government has stepped in and is working with the Italian authorities to compensate the woman with at least, a job to fend for her family.

“I directly met with ASUU leadership in my house” education minister gives fresh updates on strike

Meanwhile, the federal government said it had explored all within its capacity concerning the ongoing industrial action of ASUU.

Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, said this in Abuja on Tuesday, September 6, during a meeting with pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors of federal universities.

The minister is expected to brief journalists after the meeting as the meeting is still ongoing as of the time of writing this report.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Esther Odili avatar

Esther Odili (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Esther Odili is a journalist and a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng with 6+ years of experience. Before joining Legit.ng, Esther has worked with other reputable media houses, such as the New Telegraph newspaper and Galaxy Television. She Holds OND and HND in Mass Communication from NIJ, where she was recognized as the best student in print journalism in 2018. Email: esther.odili@corp.legit.ng.