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Screenshots from the viral video
A lecturer in Theatre Arts and Film Studies at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Dr Chukwudi Okoye, has explained the circumstances that led to him being physically assaulted by a female student, identified as Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year History and International Studies student.
PUNCH Online reports that the incident, which took place on campus, began when Okoye interrupted the student’s recording of a dance video in the corridor of the Faculty of Arts.
An eyewitness told 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 escalated into a confrontation, with the student grabbing the lecturer’s clothes before onlookers intervened.
A video of the altercation, which went viral on social media, showed the student lashing out at the lecturer.
In a video shared by UNIZIK 94.1FM on Wednesday, Okoye narrated his side of the story.
He said, “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 the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis, the university confirmed that Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, had ordered a full-scale investigation.
“We urge all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth.
“The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum, and we will ensure that appropriate actions and sanctions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” the statement partly read.
The National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the incident and called for a thorough probe.
