The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, has been plunged into deep sorrow following the sudden death of a final-year student, Emem Okon Jimmy, from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

Emem, who was described as cheerful and healthy, reportedly passed away in her sleep on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Her body, however, was only discovered the following night by neighbours who became alarmed after not seeing her all day.

According to eyewitness accounts, Emem had dinner with fellow tenants on Thursday night and later went to bed as usual. On Friday evening, around 10:00 p.m., concern grew when the lodge’s caretaker noted she hadn’t come out of her room all day. Attempts to open her door failed, as it was locked from the inside.

In a desperate move, some students climbed the roof and broke through the ceiling to enter the room. There, they found Emem lying face down on her bed, covered in a bedsheet and clutching her phone tightly—suggesting she may have tried to call for help. Blood was reportedly seen coming from her nose, and she appeared stiff and lifeless.

Her elder brother, after being contacted by the caretaker, arrived from Uyo and took her remains to the mortuary.

The tragic incident has left students and staff heartbroken. During a candlelight procession held ahead of her burial scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2025, the Head of Department, Dr. Inemesit Umoren, expressed deep sorrow and urged students to prioritise their health through regular medical checkups, even amid academic pressures.

“This is the second loss we are suffering in this department this year,” Dr. Umoren said. “May her soul rest in peace. Let us pray such a tragedy never happens again.”

The Departmental President, Nsoefen Mark Akpan, also called on all students to honour Emem’s memory by attending her burial and giving her a befitting farewell.

Emem’s death has left a painful void in the hearts of many—reminding everyone of life’s fragility and the importance of checking in on one another.