A recent incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in which a female student physically assaulted a lecturer, has sparked widespread concern. This essay examines the issues surrounding the incident and explores the lessons that can be learned from it.

The Facts of the Story

The incident began with Miss Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka, a student in the Department of History and International Studies, who was recording a TikTok video in a crowded university hallway during school hours. When Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, politely asked her to make way for him, Miss Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka became violent and physically assaulted him, biting him on the wrist and arm in the ensuing altercation. The incident was witnessed by several students and staff members, who reported that Dr. Okoye’s injuries were later treated in the university’s clinic.

Issues Raised by the Incident

One of the primary issues in this story is the blatant disrespect and indiscipline displayed by Miss Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka, which highlights the growing concern of disrespect and indiscipline among students. Her actions demonstrate a complete lack of regard for authority, rules, and the educational setting.

Another issue that arises from this incident is the sense of entitlement that seems to be prevalent among some young people today. Miss Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka’s actions suggest that she believed she was above the rules and could do whatever she wanted, without consequence.

The incident also raises concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s behaviour and values. Miss Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka’s desire to record a TikTok video in a university hallway, not minding the distraction it could cause, shows a disturbing preference of social media fame over education.

Lessons from the Incident

Among others, the incident exposes the deeper societal issues of the erosion of values. The student’s behavior is a reflection of a broader societal problem where young people are increasingly disrespectful and less deferential.

Secondly, the incident underscores the importance of emotional intelligence, restraint, and professionalism, as seen in Dr. Okoye’s calm and dignified response to Miss Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka’s aggression.

Another lesson from this story is the value of accountability and consequences for one’s actions. With her expulsion from the university, Miss Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka has been made to take responsibility for her actions.

Lastly, the incident highlights the need for institutions to prioritize teacher welfare and safety. The fact that teachers are often disrespected, assaulted, and mistreated is a sad commentary on our society.

Conclusion

The UNIZIK student’s saga throws up a lot of issues and offers valuable lessons. As we reflect on this incident, we must also consider the broader implications for our society and the values we want to promote among our young people. The fact that a student felt emboldened to physically assault a lecturer is a disturbing trend that must not be allowed to endure.

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The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, over her assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.

In an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu, the university stated that the decision followed the recommendation of the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found the student’s actions to be a gross violation of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4 (SDR).

The incident, which gained widespread attention after a video surfaced online, reportedly involved Precious attacking the lecturer identified as Dr. Chukwudi Okoye.

The attack followed the interruption of a TikTok video she was recording on campus. The confrontation led to public outrage and calls for disciplinary action.

According to the letter, the expulsion takes immediate effect, with the university directing Precious to vacate the premises and return any university property in her possession.

This development marks a decisive move by the UNIZIK administration in maintaining discipline within the institution, and it generated widespread reactions.

The letter read, “The Ag. Vice-Chancellor has received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee on the case of your assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theater and Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).

“Consequently, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor has, on behalf of the University Senate, approved the Committee’s recommendation that you be expelled and you are hereby expelled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The expulsion takes immediate effect.

“You are expected to vacate the University premises immediately and return any University property in your possession.”

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Gunmen have killed a lecturer of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (NAU, popularly known as UNIZIK) in Anambra State, Nigeria’s South-east.

The lecturer, Fabian Chinedu, was shot dead on Monday at about 10:10 p.m. along Aroma Junction in Awka, the state capital.
Sources told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that the attackers attempted to snatch the victim’s car during the attack.

“He resisted and they shot him and drove away with his vehicle,” the source, a food vendor near the area, said.
The police spokesperson Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, also confirmed that the hoodlums made away with the lecturer’s Toyota Corolla vehicle after killing him.

The spokesperson said the police authorities in Anambra State have begun investigations into the killing.
He said the State Police Command has commiserated with the family and friends of the victim, including the management of UNIZIK.

Mr Ikenga said the police authorities have asked Nigerians to support them with any useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation

Increased attack
Like other states in Nigeria’s South-east, security has deteriorated in Anambra State with frequent attacks by armed persons.
The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region.

However, the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks.
IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south Nigeria.

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, staged a peaceful protest to oppose the selection process of the new Vice Chancellor.

The protest, according to Tribune Online, was prompted by ongoing tensions over the choice of the next vice chancellor at the university.

While the protest unfolded, the university’s governing council, led by Chairman Amb. Greg Mbadiwe proceeded with the selection process at the council chambers on Tuesday.

Addressing journalists after the protest, ASUU-UNIZIK branch chairman, Prof. Kingsley Oborji, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for urgent intervention to protect the university, named after Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, from potential instability.

Prof. Oborji alleged that Amb. Mbadiwe was attempting to impose a vice chancellor who was not originally affiliated with UNIZIK. He called for due process to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the institution.

Protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, including: “Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Respect Our University,” “ASUU-NAU Wants Due Process,” “ASUU-NAU Says No to Imposition of VC,” “Tinubu, Call Greg to Order,” and “Vice Chancellors Are Not Appointed in a Hotel.”

Meanwhile, the university’s governing council, led by Amb. Mbadiwe, has appointed Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive vice chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Prof. Odoh, a professor of geophysics, hails from the Department of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences at the university.

Announcing the appointment after a rigorous selection process involving interviews with 15 applicants, the Pro-Chancellor disclosed that Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh emerged as the top candidate for the position of Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, based on his extensive experience in university teaching, research, and administration.

Born on August 5, 1975, Odoh is from Ezza North LGA in Ebonyi State. He is an alumnus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, having graduated from the Department of Geological Sciences in 1999. In 2009, he was appointed as a Lecturer I in the same department after earning his Ph.D. in 2008.

Odoh served as a member of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Senate from 2010 to 2014 and held the role of Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor (Academic Matters I), where he coordinated the UTME exercise from June to October 2014. In 2015, he was promoted to Professor at Federal University Gusau.

With over 120 research publications in esteemed international journals, e-books, and monographs, Prof. Odoh has made significant contributions to academia. Additionally, he served as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government before returning to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2019.

His roles at the university include board member of the Confucius Institute and member of the Admission and Examination Monitoring Committee. He also served as Director of the Centre for Water Resources Capacity Building Network for the Southeast Zone (2010-2014) and as Coordinator of UNIZIK Seismic Observatory Station during the same period.

Prof. Odoh represented Nigeria as a delegate at a Higher Education Administration seminar for Anglophone African countries in China from October 19 to November 7, 2013, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. His distinguished academic and professional background includes membership in the NWRI-UNESCO stakeholders committee, which developed the M.Sc. curriculum for Integrated Water Resources Management for Nigerian universities. Additionally, he is a member of prominent professional organisations, including the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (USA), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.

In 2024, Prof. Odoh served as Lead Research Consultant to the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC). His commitment to academic mentorship is evident through his leadership of the NAU team, which achieved first place among 26 African universities and represented Africa in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Imperial Barrel Award (AAPG IBA) Finals held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in May 2013, where they placed fifth globally.

His leadership experience includes his participation in the Voluntary Visitors Leadership Programme for newly-appointed Nigerian Vice-Chancellors in the United States. This programme, held in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the U.S. Department of State from October 13-23, 2010, provided additional training in educational leadership.

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The 2024 edition of the South East University Games Association (SEUGA) which was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka Anambra State, saw ESUT team sweep four medals in the competition which ended on 30^th January 2024.

The ESUT football team of the male category stole the show as they won the gold medal after defeating the Lions of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in the final.

The female Basketball team on the other hand showed their quality as they emerged the gold medallists of the basketball category, and both the male and female teams in the volleyball category settled for a bronze medal respectively.

The female table tennis category also saw the ESUT Team go home with the bronze medal, making it a total of two gold medals and three bronze medals in the bag for the ESUT Team in the just concluded SEUGA 2024.

The ESUT team’s performance gives them the momentum going into further competitions like the upcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) 2024.

University of Jos, Plateau State, will host the 2024 NUGA Games with the Vice-Chancelor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya expressing assurance that the university is ready to successfully host the games between November and December 2024.

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