An investigation into a fight between a student and a lecturer in the university’s Department of Theatre Arts over a videotaped social media post has been launched by the administration of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), located in Awka, Anambra State.
In videos that went viral, the female student said that the lecturer had dragged her among the other students, held her breast region and beat her.
Njelita Louis, a school spokesperson, stated that any parties found to be at fault would face the proper punishment from the institution’s administration, which is headed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.
The student,Goddy Precious, is a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies. In the viral video on social media, she was seen around the corridors dancing before her phone, capturing a TikTok moment when the lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, walked past her from behind.
The lecturer gently tapped the female student on the shoulder, asking her to give way, but the student was angered by the lecturer’s action and interruption of her video moment.
The lecturer was accused by the female student in the widely shared footage of punching her, and dragging her around the class. During the altercation, the female student is also accused of biting the lecturer on the arm and wrist. The lecturer was seen keeping his calm over the duration of the episode.
Many netizens have taken sides in the online reactions to the viral videos.
In a statement, the institution said, “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, excellence, and 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.”
