The Management of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education has confirmed the death of a senior lecturer, with the Department of Business Education, simply identified as Mr. Echetama, who slumped in a classroom and was confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Center, Owerri on Tuesday, 16 February.

According to the Acting Public Relations Officer of the college, Mr. Joseph Okwulehi, who confirmed the unfortunate incident, the school is actively working to ascertain the issue on the ground and advised all staff and students of the institution to remain calm while the school takes an official stance.

The lecturer's sudden demise has fueled rumors that the death is COVID-19 related, forcing students and lecturers to abandon lectures.

Some students were reportedly seen already leaving school hostels, while others fled the school premises for the fear of contracting the dreaded virus.

A final-year student of the institution, Mr Frederick Anyawu, said the development has forced lecturers to suspend lectures, stating that the students decided to keep away from the college until the issue is sorted out.