Education
LECTURER PRAISED FOR RESTRAINT AFTER PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION WITH FEMALE STUDENT
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka branch, has commended Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, for his exemplary display of maturity and civility in the face of a violent assault by a female student.
The incident occurred when Dr. Okoye walked past the student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chiamaka Precious, who was recording a TikTok video in a corridor. The student allegedly insulted Dr. Okoye, who returned to confront her, leading to a physical altercation.
According to Dr. Okoye’s account, the student bit him multiple times, tore his clothes, slapped, and scratched his face. However, the student, Ms. Mbakwe, claimed that Dr. Okoye grabbed her phone and her “breast region” and said unspeakable things to her.
The ASUU chairman, Cde Kingsley Ubaoji, praised Dr. Okoye’s restraint and composure in the aftermath of the incident, saying, “His actions have not only brought honour to himself but also to our union and the university community at large.”
The union also commended the Acting Vice Chancellor for his swift and decisive action in addressing the incident, saying, “His prompt response has reassured staff of their protection and underscored the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment.”
Dr. Okoye’s account of the incident reads: “My theatre arts people, I had just left hall 19, where Dr Ebekue (another lecturer) was teaching. Walking along the passage, I saw a girl doing a video with her phone (she had placed the phone on the window hood and was striking poses in the middle of the walkway)… Tapping her slightly, I asked her to excuse me as I walked past.”
Ms. Mbakwe’s account, however, differs: “Initially, I thought it was a student, but when I turned around, I was shocked to see a man – a lecturer unbeknownst to me… I whispered to my friend, ‘Omo, see how this lecturer pushed me,’ and my friend tried to reassure me.”
Following a thorough investigation into the incident, the university’s management found Ms. Mbakwe guilty of gross misconduct and subsequently expelled her from the institution. The university’s decision was based on the findings of the investigation panel, which concluded that Ms. Mbakwe’s actions were unacceptable and violated the university’s code of conduct.
The university’s spokesperson confirmed that Ms. Mbakwe had been expelled, stating that the institution would not tolerate any form of violence or misconduct from its students. The spokesperson added that the university was committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all its students and staff.
The Edo State Police Command has arrested students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, following widespread public outrage.
Police authorities confirmed that all individuals linked to the incident have been identified and taken into custody, with plans to charge them in a family court in line with juvenile justice and child protection laws.
The case gained national attention after disturbing videos surfaced online showing a student being physically assaulted by fellow students. In one of the clips, the victim was reportedly beaten, kicked, and humiliated while others watched and recorded the incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the violence stemmed from an earlier altercation between students. Authorities said a disagreement involving offensive remarks escalated into physical attacks, with a cycle of retaliation contributing to the incidents captured on video.
The Edo State Police spokesperson stated that the arrests followed a “thorough and painstaking investigation,” adding that all suspects would face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.
In response to the incident, the police have also intensified the “Operation Safe Schools” initiative across the state to address gaps in supervision and prevent similar occurrences.
The school management had earlier taken disciplinary action by expelling students directly involved, while the Edo State Ministry of Education condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the values of discipline and safety expected in schools.
Authorities have urged parents, guardians, and school administrators to take greater responsibility in guiding students and ensuring that grievances are handled through proper channels rather than violence.
Amnesty Programme Boosts Education: 220 Nigerians Studying in UK, 8,000 Enrolled Locally
The Federal Government has disclosed that no fewer than 220 Nigerians are currently studying in the United Kingdom under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), while over 8,000 beneficiaries are pursuing various academic programmes within Nigeria.
Established in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was designed to address militancy in the Niger Delta by disarming and rehabilitating former agitators. Over time, the initiative has evolved into a comprehensive platform focused on education, skills acquisition, and empowerment to promote sustainable peace and development in the region.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive fully funded scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and book allowances for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Participants are drawn from key Niger Delta states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
In 2025 alone, the programme sponsored 161 beneficiaries for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, with an additional 34 deployed to various UK universities for the 2025–2026 academic session.
Administrator of the programme, Dennis Otuaro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the initiative, with a renewed focus on critical and emerging fields such as data science, cybersecurity, and energy law.
According to him, the goal is to build a knowledge-driven Niger Delta by equipping beneficiaries with relevant global skills that can contribute to national development.
The programme continues to play a key role in transforming lives and fostering stability in the oil-rich region, while also positioning Nigerian youths for global competitiveness.
Dr. Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, is in London alongside senior government officials to receive President Bola Tinubu ahead of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education and skills development sector.
During the visit, Dr. Alausa underscored the launch of the second phase of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform programme, emphasizing strategic partnerships with international institutions, investors, and development organizations, including Big Win Philanthropy.
The reform initiative seeks to reposition technical education as a key driver of youth employment and economic growth, addressing the country’s long-standing challenges of graduate unemployment and skills mismatch. Discussions are set to include collaboration with University of Birmingham and Coventry University, with the aim of enhancing research, faculty exchange, and the establishment of a full campus in Nigeria to improve access to international-standard higher education.
Dr. Alausa noted that strengthening global partnerships is critical to reversing the outflow of Nigerian students abroad, attracting foreign investment, and boosting local capacity in education and technical skills.
Officials say the outcomes of the London engagements are expected to shape the next phase of reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly in technical training, international collaboration, and infrastructure development.