The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State (popularly known as UNIZIK), has expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, for assaulting a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.
This was disclosed in an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu.
The university management explained that Precious’s expulsion was recommended by the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found the student’s actions to be a gross violation of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4 (SDR).
The acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, had earlier ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into a video that surfaced online, showing Precious attacking a lecturer identified as Dr. Chukwudi Okoye.
Background
The conflict began when the lecturer interrupted a video recording the student was making because the student was blocking the way to a lecture room, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical fight.
The letter read, “The Ag. Vice-Chancellor has received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee on the case of your assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theater and Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations, particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).“Consequently, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor has, on behalf of the University Senate, approved the Committee’s recommendation that you be expelled and you are hereby expelled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The expulsion takes immediate effect.
“You are expected to vacate the University premises immediately and return any University property in your possession.”
In videos circulating on social media, the student was seen dancing at the entrance of a campus building while being filmed. As the lecturer, Michael, attempted to pass by, he tapped her on the shoulder to make way for himself.
The video showed that while Michael continued into the building, the student turned with a frown and said, “Imagine! Why would he touch me like that?”
However, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation when Michael 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, Michael narrated what happened: “I had just left Hall 19 where Dr Ebekue 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). tapping her slightly, I asked her to excuse me as I walked past.
“After about 2 or 3 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 deletes the video showing where I passed.
“I then demanded and reached for her phone only to be bitten by the girl on both arms in quick succession. I then held on to her left hand so she wouldn’t get away.
“That was when she really lost it; she tore my clothes, slapped and scratched my face and generally went berserk on me all which I received with calm to my own admiration if I do say so myself.
“We are just coming from the security office where she told them that I was stripping her naked in the faculty.
“I’m told her mum is a lecturer in Engineering so perhaps that gave her extra impetus.
“So my Theatre Family, na so we see am. We shall see how it goes.”
Meanwhile, on her own part, the student in a statement she captioned, “My Own Side Of The Story”, said the lecturer pushed her from her left side and she felt helpless, fainted and utterly disrespected.
In a statement making the rounds on social media, she said, “This morning, around 11 am, I was recording a quick video with a friend along my lecture room hallway when, out of nowhere, I felt a push from my left side, accompanied by a curt ‘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 felt helpless, faint, and utterly disrespected. I whispered to my friend,
“’Omo, see how this lecturer pushed me,’ and my friend tried to reassure me.
“Before I could even process what had just happened, someone tried to grab my phone from behind.
“I held on tight, exclaiming in shock, and turned around to see the same man who had pushed me earlier.
“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.
“I was devastated and at the same time still lamenting in pains as I picked up the pieces of my shattered phone.
“But the situation took a dark turn when the lecturer grasped my breast region saying unspeakable things.
“I was left stunned, trying to comprehend the horror unfolding before me. As I realized my cleavage was exposed.”
She continued, “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
“I was mortified. I tried to cover myself, pulling my dress together, and exclaimed in desperation, ‘Sir, I’ll hold you ohh!’ 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 hand, 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 arrived, taking me away in their van.
“I’m still shaken by the events that transpired. I never intended to disrespect a lecturer; I was acting under duress, protecting my dignity and interests as a woman.
“I’m deeply sorry for my reactions, and I hope that somehow, someway, this situation can be resolved peacefully.”
