The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu has ordered investigation into the incident of alleged assault that involved a lecturer and a student of the institution.
This was contained in statement by the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis, emphasised the university’s commitment to discipline and decorum.
He said the management of the institution would impose the appropriate sanction on any of the parties found culpable.
He assured that appropriate actions and sanctions would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
The statement reads: “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 Mbakwe Precious a 3rd 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 I. Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.
According to Njelita: “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.”
He said that the 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,” Njelita added.
In a viral video on Tuesday, a student of the Department of History and International Studies of the institution, Goddy Precious, was seen around the corridors dancing in front of her phone, capturing a TikTok moment when the lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye a lecture in the department of Theatre art and film making department in the institution, walked from behind.
In the viral video, the lecturer gently tapped the female student on the shoulder, asking her to give way but the student who got irked by the lecturer’s action and interruption of her video moment.
However, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation when Okoye overheard the student insulting him and returned to confront her.
Upon returning, he noticed she was recording a video. Not wanting to be captured, he reached for the student’s phone but she aggressively grabbed his clothes. During the struggle, she bit him multiple times and tore his clothes.
In a statement circulating on social media, Okoye narrating what happened, claimed that after walking past the student, he overheard her insulting him and decided to return to verify if she was one of his students.
He then reportedly demanded that she delete the video in which he appeared, which led to the altercation.
In the process, the lecturer alleged that the student bit him on both arms, tore his clothes, slapped and scratched his face.
The lecturer’s account reads: “My theatre arts people, I had just left hall 19, where Dr Ebekue (another lecturer) was teaching. Walking along the passage, I saw a girl doing a video with her phone (she had placed the phone on the window hood and was striking poses in the middle of the walkway),” he said.
“Tapping her slightly, I asked her to excuse me as I walked past. After about two or three steps, I heard her say, ‘Who does this man think he is?’ I walked back to ascertain first if she was my student and second to make sure she deleted the video showing where I passed.
However, on her account, obtained from @DaisyRegal, Ms Mbakwe said she was recording a video when she felt someone push her and said “excuse me”.
“Initially, I thought it was a student, but when I turned around, I was shocked to see a man –a lecturer unbeknownst to me. I whispered to my friend, ‘Omo, see how this lecturer pushed me,’ and my friend tried to reassure me,” she wrote.
The student said someone immediately tried to grab her phone from behind her but she held on tightly before turning to see it was the same person who interrupted her video.
“Mind you, I didn’t even know he was a lecturer. I pleaded with him, ‘sorry sir, why are you dragging my phone? But he remained silent, tugging at my phone until it fell and broke,” she said.
She also claimed the lecturer grabbed her “breast region and said unspeakable things” to her.
“I was left stunned, trying to comprehend the horror unfolding before me. As I realised my cleavage was exposed, I begged him to let me go, but he ignored my pleas, holding me firmly. His nails and clutches left certain prints and scratches on my chest rather,” she wrote.
“I was mortified. I tried to cover myself, pulling my dress together, and exclaimed in desperation, ‘Sir, I’ll hold you oh!’. I didn’t mean to threaten him; I just wanted him to release me. But he wouldn’t budge.
“In a split second, I bit his hands, hoping he’d let go. That was when I held his clothes and accidentally tore his shirt.
“The situation escalated, with some students intervening and in no time, I saw theatre arts students (from his department) approaching me with weapons. I was so terrified and hurt. The securities eventually arrive, taking me away in their van.”
