The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, has ordered an investigation into a physical altercation between a third-year student, Goddy Mbakwe Precious, and a lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye.
A statement issued by the university’s Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis, said the management will impose appropriate sanctions on any of the parties found culpable after a full-scale investigation.
University Assures Transparent Probe
The statement reaffirmed the university’s commitment to discipline and ethical conduct.
**“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 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.”
Louis urged all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm, assuring that the university remains a place of learning with high moral and ethical standards.
The Viral Video and Conflicting Accounts
A viral video on Tuesday, February 13, 2025, showed the student recording a TikTok video along a university corridor when Dr. Okoye walked past her. He tapped her lightly on the shoulder and asked her to give way, but the student allegedly took offense at the interruption.
According to Dr. Okoye, he overheard the student insulting him as he walked past. Returning to confront her, he noticed she was still recording and allegedly asked her to delete the footage. This led to a physical struggle, during which the lecturer claimed the student bit him multiple times, slapped him, and tore his clothes.
**“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.
“Instead of compliance, she grabbed me, tore my clothes, and bit me multiple times.”**
However, in her own account, Mbakwe Precious alleged that she was pushed while recording, initially mistaking the person for another student. She claimed she whispered to her friend about the push when the lecturer suddenly attempted to snatch her phone from her hands.
“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 also accused the lecturer of grabbing her chest region, leaving scratches on her body, and refusing to let her go.
**“I was left stunned, trying to comprehend the horror unfolding before me. As I realized my cleavage was exposed, I begged him to let me go, but he ignored my pleas.
“In desperation, I bit his hands, hoping he’d let go. That was when I held his clothes and accidentally tore his shirt.”**
She further claimed that students from the Theatre Arts Department approached her with weapons, but security personnel arrived in time and took her away in their van.
University's Next Steps
The UNIZIK management has assured that a thorough investigation will determine appropriate disciplinary actions.
“The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum. Appropriate actions and sanctions will be taken based on the investigation’s outcome.”
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
