In a disturbing incident that highlights the growing concern of student-lecturer harassment, a University of Nnamdi Azikiwe (UNIZIK) lecturer has come forward with a shocking account of being attacked by a female student over a TikTok video. The lecturer’s harrowing experience, which has left him shaken and seeking justice, raises important questions about the safety and well-being of educators in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. As the incident sparks outrage and debate, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to address the rising tide of student violence and ensure that our educators can teach without fear of intimidation or harm.
Dr Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University has detailed the events that led to him being physically assaulted by a female student, identified as Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year History and International Studies student.
According to PUNCH Online, the incident occurred on campus when Okoye interrupted the student, Goddy Mbakwe Precious, who was recording a dance video in the corridor of the Faculty of Arts.
An eyewitness informed PUNCH Online, “The lecturer tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Excuse me,’ as he passed behind her. However, she became visibly upset and exclaimed, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?’” The situation then escalated when the student grabbed the lecturer’s clothes, prompting intervention from onlookers.
A viral video of the altercation circulating on social media captured the student aggressively confronting the lecturer.
Okoye recounted his version of the events, In a video shared by UNIZIK 94.1FM on Wednesday on Instagram.
He Stated
“I was leaving a classroom to my office when I saw the lady along the corridor of the Faculty of Arts. She was making a TikTok video, and I needed to pass because of the way the place was, and someone was on the other side.
“I said, “Excuse me’ and walked off. And when she made that insulative comment, I had to turn back to first ascertain if she was a student or my student in the department.
“I needed her to delete the video. I actually asked her to delete it right in front of me. When she refused, I stretched my hand to confiscate the phone. And that was when all hell let loose, and the rest, as they say, is history,” he said, adding that he would leave further action to the university’s committee.
In a statement signed by Njelita Louis, the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, the university confirmed that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu had directed a thorough investigation into the incident.
“We urge all parties involved and the public to remain calm as we carefully seek the truth.
“The university is dedicated to maintaining discipline and decorum, and appropriate actions and sanctions will be applied based on the findings of the investigation,” the statement read in part.
The National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the incident, and Netizens called for a thorough probe.
The Fount 
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