A lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Dr. Chukwudi Okoye of the Theatre Arts and Film Studies department, has shared his side of a controversial incident involving a student. The altercation, which took place on campus, involved a third-year History and International Studies student, Goddy Mbakwe Precious.
The confrontation reportedly started when Okoye interrupted the student’s TikTok recording in the corridor of the Faculty of Arts. Witnesses stated that he tapped her shoulder while passing and said, “Excuse me.” However, the student allegedly became upset and accused him of hitting her.
An eyewitness recounted, “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?’”
The situation quickly escalated, with the student reportedly grabbing the lecturer’s clothing. Bystanders eventually stepped in to separate them.
A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, captured the student reacting aggressively toward the lecturer.
In a video shared by UNIZIK 94.1FM, Dr. Okoye narrated his version of the events.
He explained, “I was leaving a classroom to my office when I saw the lady along the corridor of the Faculty of Arts. She was making a TikTok video, and I needed to pass because of the way the place was and someone was on the other side.
“I said ‘excuse me’ and walked off. And when she made that insulative comment, I had to turn back to first ascertain if she was a student or my student in the department.
“I needed her to delete the video. I actually asked her to delete it right in front of me. When she refused, I stretched my hand to confiscate the phone. And that was when all hell let loose and the rest, as they say, is history,” he said.
The lecturer further stated that he would allow the university’s committee to handle the matter.
In response to the incident, the university released an official statement through its Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis. The statement confirmed that Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, had ordered a full-scale investigation.
“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,” the statement read.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also weighed in, condemning the altercation and calling for a thorough investigation.
