UNIZIK Expels Student for Assaulting Lecturer Over TikTok Video

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, for physically attacking a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.

This decision was confirmed in an expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu.

According to the university authorities, the expulsion followed a recommendation by the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found her actions to be a severe violation of the institution’s disciplinary code, particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, had previously ordered a thorough and impartial investigation after a viral video surfaced, showing Precious confronting and assaulting Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer at the university.

Background of the Incident

The altercation began when Dr. Okoye interrupted a video recording Precious was making, as she was blocking access to a lecture hall. This led to an argument that quickly escalated into a physical fight.

The expulsion letter stated:

“The Ag. Vice-Chancellor has received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee regarding your assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. This has been deemed a serious case of misconduct and a violation of the Students’ Disciplinary Regulations, particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).

“Following the recommendation of the committee, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the University Senate, has approved your expulsion. You are to vacate the university premises immediately and return any university property in your possession.”

What Happened?

Videos circulating on social media show Precious dancing at the entrance of a campus building while recording a TikTok video. As Dr. Okoye attempted to walk past, he tapped her on the shoulder to make way for himself.

As he moved forward, Precious appeared visibly annoyed and was heard saying, “Imagine! Why would he touch me like that?”

The situation took a turn when Dr. Okoye overheard her remarks and returned to confront her. Seeing that she was still recording, he attempted to take her phone, likely to prevent himself from being filmed. This led to a struggle in which Precious grabbed the lecturer’s clothes, bit him multiple times, and tore his shirt.

Dr. Okoye later recounted his side of the story in a statement posted online:

“I had just left Hall 19, where Dr. Ebekue was teaching. While walking down the corridor, I saw a student filming herself with her phone, which she had placed on a window hood. She was standing in the middle of the walkway, so I tapped her lightly on the shoulder to pass.”

“After taking a few steps, I heard her say, ‘Who does this man think he is?’ I turned back to confirm if she was my student and to ensure she deleted any footage that showed me passing by.”

“As I reached for her phone, she bit me twice in quick succession. I held onto her left hand to prevent her from escaping, and at that point, she completely lost control. She tore my clothes, scratched my face, and slapped me multiple times, yet I remained calm.”

“At the security office, she falsely claimed that I had attempted to strip her in the faculty. I later learned that her mother is a lecturer in the Engineering department, which may have given her the confidence to act as she did.”

Precious’s Version of Events

Precious also shared her side of the story in a statement titled “My Own Side of the Story,” where she claimed that the lecturer had physically pushed her and left her feeling helpless and disrespected.

“Around 11 a.m., I was recording a quick video with a friend in my lecture hall’s hallway when, out of nowhere, I felt a push from my left side, accompanied by a curt ‘excuse me!’”

“At first, I assumed it was a student, but I turned to see a man—who I later learned was a lecturer. I felt faint and disrespected. I whispered to my friend, ‘Omo, see how this lecturer pushed me,’ and she tried to calm me down.”

“Before I could even process what had just happened, someone grabbed my phone from behind. I held on tight, only to realize it was the same man who had pushed me earlier. Not knowing he was a lecturer, I asked, ‘Sorry sir, why are you taking my phone?’ but he remained silent, struggling with me until my phone fell and broke.”

“I was devastated. While picking up my broken phone, the lecturer suddenly grabbed me inappropriately. I was left in shock, struggling to understand what was happening as my dress shifted and my cleavage became exposed.”

“I pleaded with him to let me go, but he held me tighter. His grip left scratches on my chest. I was mortified. In desperation, I told him, ‘Sir, I’ll hold you ohh!’—not as a threat, but as a plea for him to release me. But he refused.”

“In a panic, I bit his hand, hoping he’d let go. That’s when I accidentally tore his shirt while trying to push him away. Suddenly, some students from the Theatre Arts department approached me with weapons. I was terrified.”

“Eventually, security personnel arrived and took me away in their van. I’m still shaken by what happened. I never meant to disrespect a lecturer—I was simply acting in self-defense and trying to protect my dignity. I deeply regret my reaction and hope for a peaceful resolution.”

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many divided over who was at fault.

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