Ekene and Grace dove headfirst into their new lives at Divine Gift University just a week after securing their scholarships. As Law students in the same department, they became inseparable, supporting each other through every academic challenge. They tackled assignments, studied together, shared notes, and attended classes together
Despite Grace's support, Ekene found it difficult to adjust to university life during his first weeks. Making new friends proved to be a challenge, and settling down in his unfamiliar environment was an uphill battle. Thankfully, his academic performance remained strong thanks to Grace's assistance
One evening, during a class on the Nigerian Legal System, the lecturer stood at the front of the classroom, preparing to delve into the day's topic. The class fell silent as the students readied themselves to take notes
"Today, we'll be discussing the Nigerian Legal System," the lecturer began, his voice echoing throughout the room, "You see, you can't just talk about the Nigerian Legal System without knowing what a SYSTEM really means." He paused momentarily, allowing his words to sink in. "Whatever is called a system connotes orderliness"
The students scribbled furiously, intent on capturing every piece of knowledge their lecturer imparted
"A system is the organized relationship between the component parts of a structure," he continued as the students listened and jotted, "A legal system may be described as the interaction of laws within a legal order. The Nigerian Legal System refers to the totality of laws in Nigeria and the machinery through which these laws are enforced. It has been said that all the laws in a legal system are based on a fundamental norm from which they get their validity"
The lecturer's words were abruptly cut off as a piercing scream echoed through the silent classroom, shocking everyone in attendance. The students and lecturer immediately turned their attention to the source of the cry, finding a student writhing in pain. The lecture was put on hold as they rushed to help the afflicted student
Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that the source of the student's distress was a particular two-dotted mark on his leg, resembling a snake bite. Realizing the urgency of the situation, they quickly transported the student to Amosu clinic, the village's only hospital
As the students and staff anxiously awaited news of their peer's condition, a heavy cloud of fear settled over the school. Rumors began to circulate, and concern for their student's well-being mounted
At the hospital, those who had accompanied the student waited with bated breath for the doctor's report. The air was thick with tension, but their hopes were dashed when the doctor returned with a somber expression
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "You lost him"
The shocking revelation spurred a cacophony of mournful cries from those gathered.
"Jesus! Ah!" they exclaimed, their hearts heavy with the sudden loss of their fellow student
"He was already dead before he got here," the doctor confirmed,
One of them, struggling to process the news, spoke up. "Doctor, what was the cause of his death?"
The doctor took a deep breath before responding, "Well, he appeared to have been bitten by a poisonous snake
The group let out a collective gasp of shock and disbelief, grappling with the tragic and unexpected loss of their friend, and fellow student