Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, has shared the details surrounding an altercation with a female student, Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year History and International Studies major.
According to PUNCH Online, the incident occurred on campus when Okoye interrupted the student, who was recording a TikTok dance video in the corridor of the Faculty of Arts.
An eyewitness told PUNCH Online, “The lecturer tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Excuse me,’ as he walked past. She became visibly upset and shouted, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?'”
What followed was a confrontation in which the student grabbed the lecturer’s clothes, and bystanders had to intervene.
A video of the incident quickly went viral, showing the student confronting Okoye. In a statement shared by UNIZIK 94.1FM on Wednesday, Okoye provided his account of the incident.
“I was leaving a classroom to head to my office when I noticed the lady in the corridor, making a TikTok video. Because of the narrow space and another person on the other side, I asked her to excuse me as I needed to pass,” Okoye explained.
“After she made an insulting remark, I turned back to verify if she was a student in the department. I requested that she delete the video right then and there, but when she refused, I reached for her phone to confiscate it. That’s when everything escalated.”
Okoye added that he would leave any further actions to the university’s committee.
In a statement issued by Njelita Louis, the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, the university confirmed that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
“We urge all concerned parties and the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth. The university is committed to maintaining discipline and decorum, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the investigation’s outcome,” the statement read.
The National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the incident, demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
