The authorities at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have initiated an investigation into a physical altercation between a lecturer and a student.
A disagreement reportedly erupted on Tuesday at the Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between a female student and a lecturer, Dr Chukwudi Michael, following the interruption of the student’s video recording.
The situation allegedly escalated into a brawl on campus, during which the female student was said to have bitten the lecturer on the wrist and arm.
PUNCH reported that the student was dancing and apparently recording a TikTok video in the corridor when the lecturer passed by, tapped her on the shoulder, and said, “Excuse me.”
Some eyewitnesses around the scene said, “The student was dancing around the corridors while another person was making her video, but the lecturer, in an attempt to pass, tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Excuse me’, while passing behind her.
“But the female student, who apparently did not like the way the lecturer tapped her while expressing her displeasure, reacted by saying, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?’
“Shortly after, the development led to a physical altercation between the lecturer and the student, with the student aggressively grabbing the lecturer on the clothes as onlookers tried unsuccessfully to intervene. The situation led to commotion in the vicinity.”
A viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday captured the moment the student was dancing as the lecturer from the Faculty of Arts tried to pass by, tapped her, and said, “Excuse me.” In response, the student glared at him and said, “Can you imagine? He just hit me.”
Following the incident, UNIZIK’s management, through a press statement signed by Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis O, announced that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu has ordered a full-scale investigation in line with the institution’s core values of discipline.
The statement read in part, “The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies.
“The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.
“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, and excellence, and in adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.
“We urge all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth. The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum, and we will ensure that appropriate actions and sanctions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards. There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community.”
The statement also assured that further updates would be provided as needed.
