The University of Calabar (UNICAL) recently experienced a shocking incident on Thursday, 9 February 2023, when no fewer than six students passed out at an examination venue.
The students, according to the viral video on Instagram, were all 100-level Medical Science students, who were writing a Chemistry Examination. It was stated that the students were attempting to get into the overcrowded hall when the incident occurred.
“At least six students passed out today while we were taking the chemistry exam. The crowd was too much, and people were literally falling on themselves,” a student who witnessed the incident said.
Due to the overcrowding nature of the hall, the students struggled to gain access to the exam hall, resulting in some of them fainting due to the intense pressure. The students were immediately rushed to the hospital and it is fortunate that none of them was seriously injured.
The occurrence has generated many questions from members of the public, as some have queried why the school management would allow such development? They also questioned other safety measures the institution has put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of such scenario?
Stakeholders have also reacted to the development saying the unfortunate incident at the University of Calabar is a stark reminder of the need for educational institutions to take urgent steps to reduce overcrowding in their examination venues. It is essential for the university to ensure the safety and well-being of its students by providing a comfortable and secure environment for them to study and write their exams. Only then can the students of UNICAL be assured of a safe learning experience.
