The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has expelled a female student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, for assaulting a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies in a heated altercation that stemmed from a TikTok recording.
The expulsion was officially communicated in a letter dated February 13, 2025, signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu. The letter revealed that the decision was based on the findings of the Student Disciplinary Committee, which deemed Precious’s actions a gross violation of the university’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4 (SDR).
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, began when Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the department, attempted to pass through a hallway where Precious was recording a TikTok video. Reports indicate that the lecturer tapped her on the shoulder to make way for himself, an action that quickly escalated into a fiery confrontation.
In the footage circulating online, Precious, visibly displeased, turned to express her irritation, muttering, “Imagine! Why would he touch me like that?” However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the lecturer overheard her comments, returned to confront her, and attempted to retrieve her phone, presumably to prevent being recorded.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest that the situation spiraled out of control when Precious allegedly bit the lecturer multiple times and tore his clothes in a struggle. The lecturer, in his own statement, described how the student became violent after he tried to stop her from recording.
“I had just left Hall 19 when I saw a student posing for a video in the middle of the walkway. I tapped her slightly and asked her to excuse me as I walked past,” Dr. Okoye recounted. “After a few steps, I heard her make a snide remark about me, so I turned back to ascertain if she was my student and to ensure she deleted any footage that included me. As I reached for her phone, she bit me repeatedly, grabbed my clothes, and went completely berserk.”
Precious, however, gave a starkly different account of the altercation. In a lengthy social media post titled “My Own Side of the Story,” she claimed that the lecturer aggressively pushed her aside while she was filming, leaving her feeling disrespected and faint.
She further alleged that when she protested, Dr. Okoye tried to snatch her phone without explanation, breaking it in the process. According to her, things took a distressing turn when he physically restrained her.
“But the situation took a dark turn when the lecturer grasped my breast region, saying unspeakable things,” she claimed. “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.”
She admitted to biting him in self-defense and tearing his shirt during the struggle, stating that she was merely trying to free herself from his grip. Precious also alleged that students from the lecturer’s department later approached her with weapons, intensifying her fear.
Following an investigation, the university management sided with the lecturer, concluding that Precious’s actions constituted gross misconduct. In its official expulsion letter, the university stated:
“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 Theatre and Film Studies, which was found to be gross misconduct and a 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.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate online, with opinions divided on whether the university’s decision was just. Some argue that Precious’s reaction was excessive and unbefitting of a student, while others believe her allegations against the lecturer warrant further investigation.
Legal analysts have suggested that if Precious’s claims of harassment are substantiated, the lecturer could face disciplinary actions or legal consequences. Conversely, her physical assault on an academic staff member remains a serious offense under the university’s code of conduct.
As the controversy rages on, calls have emerged for UNIZIK authorities to conduct a more transparent review of the case to ensure that justice is served for all parties involved.
PIONEER NEWS 