Nnamdi Chukwu
THE acting Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Akwa, Anambra State, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, has ordered “a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation” into a disturbing incident involving a lecturer and a student of the institution.
According to Njelita Louis 0., Head, Information, Public Relations and Protocol of the institution, the issue involves Dr Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a 3rd-year student in the Department of History and International Studies.
Njelita Louis said, “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 I. 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.
“Further updates will be provided as necessary.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that there was chaos at the Faculty of Arts after Precious attacked and bit Dr Okoye during a heated altercation.
The incident, which occurred on campus, stemmed from an argument after the lecturer interrupted the student while she was recording a dance video in the faculty corridor.
Eyewitnesses said the student was dancing while someone filmed her when Dr Okoye attempted to pass by.
“The lecturer tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Excuse me,’ as he passed behind her. However, she became visibly upset and exclaimed, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?’an eyewitness recounted.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with the student grabbing the lecturer’s clothes aggressively as onlookers tried to intervene.
A viral video of the incident, circulating on social media on Tuesday, captured the moment the student lashed out at the lecturer, insisting she had been hit.
Another clip showed the lecturer raising his hands in apparent restraint while the student held onto him forcefully.
When contacted, UNIZIK’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the development, stating that the university was conducting an internal investigation into the matter.
“Yes, there was an incident like that. Investigations are ongoing, and the school will make its position known once we conclude our findings,” Chukwurah said.
He explained that Dr Okoye claimed he overheard the student insulting him after he passed by and returned to confirm if she was one of his students.
“He reportedly reached for her phone because he suspected she was making a TikTok video and did not want to appear in it. He asked that the video be deleted, but in response, she allegedly bit him on both arms,” he added.
Images circulating online show visible bite marks on the lecturer’s arms.
Eighteen-Eleven Media