16
Feb
Feb
LECTURER PRAISED FOR RESTRAINT AFTER PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION WITH FEMALE STUDENT
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Nicolas Adekeye / 2 months
- 0
- 3 min read
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.
