Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka has expelled a 300-level student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, following her physical assault on a lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye, from the department of Theatre and Films Studies.
The incident, which occurred on February 4, 2025, gained widespread attention after a video of the altercation surfaced online, sparking public outrage.
According to eyewitness Dr. Okoye was walking through a corridor in the Faculty of Arts when he interrupted Precious, who was recording a dance video. He reportedly tapped her on the shoulder and said, “Excuse me”, while trying to pass, this simple gesture allegedly provoked Precious, leading to a heated altercation.
In a shocking escalation, the student allegedly bit the lecturer on both arms, tore his clothes, and scratched his face.
Dr. Okoye speaking after the incident revealed that he overheard the student making an insulting remark after he passed. When he turned back and realized she was filming a TikTok video, he asked her to delete it to prevent his image from appearing in the footage. Instead of complying, she became aggressive, leading to the physical altercation.
Following the viral video and public backlash, the university administration launched an investigation. The Student Disciplinary Committee reviewed the case and found Precious guilty of gross misconduct, citing a violation of the institutions disciplinary regulations.
On February 13, 2025, Acting Registrar Victor I. Modebelu signed a letter officially notifying Precious of her expulsion. The letter confirmed that the Acting Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Senate, had approved the committees recommendation. It further instructed her to vacate the campus immediately and return any university property in her possession.
In an interview following the incident, Dr Okoye expressed his disappointment over the attack, saying;
“I was simply trying to maintain order. While students have personal freedoms, respect for school authorities and policies must always be upheld”.
This incident has sparked broader discussions about student behavior, social media culture, and the level of respect for lecturers within academic institutions.
Many have questioned the increasing trend of students prioritizing content creation over maintaining order on school premises. Some have argued that while self-expression is important, universities must enforce policies that uphold discipline and respect.
In 2024, a similar case occurred with a student in the Lagos State University, who was suspended for challenging a lecturer over a classroom recording issue.
The growing intersection between social media and academic spaces has continued to raise concerns about maintaining discipline in higher institutions and UNIZIK decision to expel Precious sends a strong message about accountability within the academic space.
The video below captures the heated altercation between expelled UNIZIK student Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious and lecturer Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye.
If not for this video evidence, this Devil of a lady’s lies would have been accepted by y’all. This is another evidence that if a girl is saying something and starts crying,she is definitely lying.If UNIZIK doesn’t rusticate her, I weep for my country pic.twitter.com/wkVqTkiOwp
— Dr Penking™🇳🇬🇦🇺 (@drpenking) February 11, 2025