First-class Graduate Shot Dead In Anambra

A first-class graduate has been shot dead in Anambra.

Glamtush reports that a first-class graduate from the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Sule Mathew, has been killed on his way to Anambra State for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

This online news platform gathered that Mathew was killed with other passengers at Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Council of Anambra State.

Mathew, who hailed from Ayangaba in Kogi State, was co-founder of hostutors.com, a Nigerian social enterprise, which focuses on making learning in formal and vocational education accessible and affordable for everyone.

His course mate, Silas Manager, said Mathew was billed to participate in the forthcoming orientation programme before his death.

“Mathew was among the first set of students to intern with PRNigeria Centre in Kano in 2019. He lost his father in June, a few months to his final examination, and graduated as the overall best student of our department in August 2021 and was due to enrol for the mandatory NYSC programme next week,” Manager said.

A friend of the deceased, Gambo Ibrahim, said, “He was on a six-month non-residential fellowship programme that trains, and mentors young citizen activists to push for democratic reforms. He was on his way to Anambra from Abuja when gunmen attacked their vehicle.”

His sister, Jemila disclosed that Mathew travelled with his boss on that ill-fated day along with other passengers, including the driver in a private vehicle.

“After waylaying them, the gunmen opened fire on them killing all of them except the driver, who escaped.

So, when we couldn’t reach him, we sent Sule’s picture to the mortuary to confirm if he was among those killed. We got feedback that he was identified among those killed.”

His last post on social media during his final examinations in 2021 reads: ”So, what has really changed after four years? Four years ago, I made a decision to leave everything including my distinction result in HND 1 to pursue a University degree. Today, I am graduating; Let’s look at what has really changed in the past four years.

“Before I dive into the tales of my transitions, I want to sincerely extend my appreciation to God and to everyone, who has been part of my academic journey. My Parents, Uncle Joe, Aunty Omaye… the list is endless.

“My lecturers, who opened the doors of their offices and their hearts to share in my personal stories of losses and gains. My friends, who made me feel too well at home, even though I travelled closely 800 kilometres away from my home. You made BUK home away from home for me.”