AWKA, Nigeria – The authorities at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, Anambra State, have investigated an altercation between a lecturer and a student over a TikTok video.
The lecturer has been identified as Chukwudi Okoye of the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies and the student has been identified as Goddy Precious Mbakwe, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies
The incident, captured in a viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, has sparked debate, with netizens taking sides.
In the footage, Ms Mbakwe, is seen dancing in a university corridor, filming content for TikTok, when the lecturer, Dr Okoye, walks past her from behind.
The lecturer appears to tap the student on the shoulder, seemingly asking her to move aside.
The student reacted angrily to the interruption, accusing the lecturer of hitting her.
The next clip shows her grabbing his shirt and dragging him as other students escalate the situation.
This is the video of the Unizik girl that assaulted a lecturer and then as claiming this lecturer was trying to molest her, thank God for this video.
No one would have believed this man pic.twitter.com/khxpozNDKd— Bulaba (@bulaba_) February 12, 2025
Reports indicate that she also bit the lecturer on the wrist and arm during the altercation while Dr. Okoye maintained his composure throughout the incident.
The video has drawn widespread reactions online, with some defending the student’s right to record her video, while others criticized her response as disrespectful and inappropriate in an academic setting.
A statement released by UNIZIK’s spokesperson on Wednesday, Njelita Louis, confirmed that the university management, led by Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has taken the matter seriously and initiated a full-scale investigation.
“The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies,” the statement read.
“The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.
“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, excellence, and adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.”
The university urged all concerned parties and the public to remain calm while it conducts a thorough review of the situation.
The statement emphasized that UNIZIK remains an institution committed to upholding discipline, ethical conduct, and decorum.
“There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community,” the university concluded.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine what disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken against either party.
