The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has been plunged into a state of grief following the tragic death of Nelson Blay Nokotey, a Level 300 Top-Up Journalism student.

Nelson was killed on Monday, January 19, 2026, after being struck by an unregistered vehicle on the N1 Highway near the Dzorwulu traffic light intersection.

The incident, described by witnesses as particularly "heartless", has sparked concern across the campus.

Reports indicate that the driver of the vehicle initially stopped and feigned concern for the victim before fleeing the scene, leaving Nelson’s body to be discovered hours later by a police patrol team.

In a formal statement released on Thursday, January 22, the UniMAC Management described the loss as a "grave violation of the sanctity of human life".

The university’s flag at the South Legon campus currently flies at half-mast as students and faculty struggle to come to terms with the sudden void.

“Management, on behalf of the Governing Council, faculty, staff and students, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and loved ones... Nelson Blay Nokotey was a valued and promising member of the UniMAC family, whose passing represents not only a loss to the institution but also to the nation as a whole,” the statement read.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Eric Opoku Mensah has taken a lead role in the university’s response, holding emergency meetings with the bereaved family, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), and the wider student body to provide support and reaffirm the institution's solidarity.

The university has officially handed over the investigation to the Ghana Police Service.

Representatives from the university, including the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Ike Tandoh, and the Chief Security Officer, are working around the clock to assist authorities in tracking down the unregistered vehicle.

UniMAC has vowed to remain "resolute" in its pursuit of justice, ensuring the perpetrator is apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The tragedy has reignited a long-standing debate over pedestrian safety at the Dzorwulu intersection.

Despite the presence of a footbridge further down the road, many commuters—including students—face significant risks when crossing the highway.

Management has disclosed that it is now re-engaging the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and municipal bodies to review and implement enhanced road safety measures, including better lighting and potentially more prominent pedestrian crossings in the South Legon area.

“These actions are aimed at protecting students, staff and residents, and ensuring that they can live, move, and learn in safety,” the University noted.

While emotions remain high, the university has appealed to students and the general public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the police.

The SRC President-elect, Moses Desire Kouyo, has urged students to honour Nelson’s memory with "dignity and restraint", even as they advocate for systemic changes to prevent future loss of life.