Nigeria: UNIZIK lecturer speaks out after physical altercation with student
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
A lecturer in Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, has provided a detailed account of the events that led to a physical altercation with a third-year student, Goddy Mbakwe Precious, from the History and International Studies department.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on campus when Okoye encountered the student recording a dance video in the corridor of the Faculty of Arts. Okoye claimed that he politely asked the student to excuse him as he needed to pass by, but the student became visibly upset and accused him of hitting her.
The situation quickly escalated, with the student grabbing Okoye’s clothes before bystanders intervened. A video of the altercation circulated widely on social media, showing the student confronting Okoye.
In a video shared by UNIZIK 94.1FM, Okoye recounted his experience, stating that he was leaving a classroom to head to his office when he saw the student making a TikTok video in the corridor. He explained that he needed to pass by and politely asked her to excuse him.
However, when the student made an insulting comment, Okoye turned back to ascertain if she was a student or one of his students in the department. He asked her to delete the video, but she refused, leading him to attempt to confiscate her phone. This is when the situation turned violent, and Okoye claimed that the student attacked him.
Okoye stated that he would leave any further action to the university’s committee, which is investigating the incident. The university has since expelled the student involved in the altercation.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the relationship between lecturers and students, with some calling for greater respect and understanding between the two groups. Others have argued that the student’s behavior was unacceptable and that she should face consequences for her actions.
Regardless of the outcome, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional relationship between lecturers and students.
