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The authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, said an investigation has commenced into the incident that led to biting and fighting between a lecturer and a student of the institution.
An altercation on Tuesday reportedly occurred at the Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between a female student and lecturer, identified as Dr Chukwudi Michael, over the interruption of a video recording the student was making.
The incident, it was gathered, led to a brawl between the student and the lecturer at the campus, which eventually caused the female student to allegedly bite the lecturer on the wrist and arm.
It was gathered that the student was dancing and apparently making a “tik tok” video around the corridors when the lecturer passed behind and tapped her on the shoulder, saying, “Excuse me.”
Some eyewitnesses around the scene said, “The student was dancing around the corridors while another person was making her video, but the lecturer, in an attempt to pass, tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Excuse me’, while passing behind her.
“But the female student, who apparently did not like the way the lecturer tapped her while expressing her displeasure, reacted by saying, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?’
“Shortly after, the development led to a physical altercation between the lecturer and the student, with the student aggressively grabbing the lecturer on the clothes as onlookers tried unsuccessfully to intervene. The situation led to commotion in the vicinity.”
This was corroborated in a viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday, showing when the student was dancing while the lecturer, from the Faculty of Arts, attempted to pass by and said, “Excuse me,” while tapping her. The student reacted by glaring at him and saying, “Can you imagine? He just hit me.”
But reacting to the development in a press statement signed by the Ag. Head, Information, Public Relations and Protocol, Njelita Louis O, the management of UNIZIK, said the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu has already ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident in line with its core values of discipline.
The statement read in part, “The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies.
“The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.
“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, and excellence, and in adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.
“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.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards. There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community.”
It added that further updates will be provided as necessary.
