A 100-level student at Madonna University, Okija, Rivers State, William Fubara, has died following reported incidents of bullying and physical assault by classmates. His friends have shared the details surrounding his death, saying Fubara faced harassment over several months, allegedly due to his perceived femininity and effeminate behaviour.
There are also allegations of intimidation and phone searches aimed at students suspected of being gay within the hostel. Friends of the deceased say they have messages and testimonies from Fubara showing his experiences and naming people whom he believed were involved in the harassment. 
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We spoke to a student of Madonna University about the situation on campus
He believes Williams was killed and bullied by Hall Reps.
“From what I heard, the people involved in this were the school authorities, especially the hall representatives, who had been picking on the young boy right from the beginning. Insecurity and bullying seem to be growing on Madonna campuses.
Hall representatives’ positions given to students make them seem like they are higher than the other students and disciplinarians, forgetting that they are also students. Power sets set in, and then they start making their own judgements.
And let me tell you something that will surely happen: they will try their best for the situation to die off, but it won’t. We are the ones who will fight for this boy and raise awareness about bullying and insecurity. It’s pretty much clear that it’s because he was acting gay-ish, but that doesn’t mean he’s gay. Where was the evidence? I don’t know if there was one they already saw, but as far as I know, I didn’t see any evidence that he is gay.
But then again, it is his choice; he/she can choose that life for himself. The authorities can try to correct it in the best way possible, but killing him has really damaged the image of the school and put fear into parents whose children are still there on the campus.”
The University’s Response
Madonna University, Nigeria, has refuted claims circulating on social media that Mr William Fubara, a 100-level psychology student, was beaten to death by peers at the Okija campus. The university clarified that he died at his family home in Port Harcourt due to a brief illness during the Easter break, countering allegations of internal bleeding from assault.
Chima Achu, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, told Sahara Reporters that while there was a disciplinary matter involving Fubara in February 2026, it did not involve any physical violence. His parents had informed the university after the Easter break about his passing, following his illness that prevented him from attending some examinations.
In an official statement titled “Madonna University Nigeria Condemns False and Malicious Claims,” signed by Achu, the institution described the allegations as a deliberate attempt to provoke public outrage and damage its reputation.
Part of the statement read: “At no time was Mr. William Fubara, or any other student, subjected to physical assault or abuse on campus. His unfortunate passing occurred at his home during the Easter break, not within the University as has been falsely claimed.”
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