UNIZIK Lecturer Vs Student Tik-Toker Saga: Moral Lessons

The Theatre Arts Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka produced yet an unexpectedly unscripted viral skit recently when a student Tik-Toker and a passing lecturer squared up in a brief altercation that set the university campus, nay the social media, on fire.

The dramatic incident, which led to the explosion by the female student had continued to generate ripples and moral questions beyond that Awka, Anambra state ivory tower. Ifeanyi Ndukwe, followed the story for AnambraDaily.

Clash of Different Characters:

Precious Goddy-Mbakwe, was a 300-level student of History and International Studies at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka in Anambra state. Goddy-Mbakwe, who operates under the pen name, Pim Pim on her preferred social media platform, TikTok, boasts a sizeable followership of over 6,000. Her online presence, fame and fortune thrives on her dazzling and engaging video content that she generously serves her fans on regular basis.

In contrast, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, is a Theatre Arts lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) with a quiet and principled disposition.

Known for his dedication to teaching and learning in the university, Okoye has limited social media presence, apart from just maintaining an account on Meta (Facebook).

It was this fundamental difference in lifestyle and priorities that set the stage for that drama that spiralled into public discourse.
The now-viral altercation began when Dr. Okoye, shortly after rounding off his lecture session was hurrying back to his office. He encountered Miss Goddy-Mbakwe who was busy recording a video on the walkway, impeding passage for others. The apparently camera-shy lecturer, while trying to walk past the Tik-Toker, apparently excused her, following this with a fleeting pat on her shoulder, and dashed along the staircase on his way. This forced her to turn abruptly and mutter a comment which the lecturer perceived as a disrespectful.

That comment and the concern that he may have inadvertently appeared in the video recording, made Okoye to turn back to request that the student delete the video. She refused to do that and this led to an altercation and scuffle which was captured in the viral video.

The matter was soon reported to the school authority and the university security officials summoned the lecturer and the student before an investigative panel set up by the acting vice chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu. In the course of all these, the social media went agog with all manner of analyses, recommendations and outright verdicts of guilt and exoneration on each party.
Things took a devastating twist for the student when the school authority eventually approved her immediate expulsion from the university for violating what the university registrar, in the expulsion letter, referred to as ‘the Students Disciplinary Regulations, particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).’

Mixed Reactions Trail The Drama:

As earlier pointed out, that dramatic standoff between the teacher and student triggered widespread reaction on and off the social media. However, when the writer visited the school to gauge the views of UNIZIK staff and students, their reactions were mixed.

Acting head of department, Theatre Arts and Film Studies, Dr. Nkemakolam Aniukwu, whose department produced the drama absolved Dr Okoye of blame in the saga. He described Okoye as a diligent and respected scholar and lamented the emotional trauma the incident had brought to him and his family.

Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan), a social media activist, said he felt the incident was a skit well scripted and acted to give a semblance of reality.

“At first, I thought it was a joke or a skit. I hope both parties can resolve this amicably.”

Mazi Ejimofor Opara, agrees with Mr Otse. “l thought it was not even a serious course …”

Juliet (surname withheld), a Theatre Art student of UNIZIK, provided an unexpected dimension to the saga, saying:

“We and history students don’t get along. They don’t even want to share space with us.”

Meanwhile, even as Dr. Okoye later disclosed that he had publicly forgiven Precious, his act of leniency did not sit well with some alumni. They would appear to believe that the student’s actions warranted harsher consequences.

Notably, when asked whether Precious or her parents had reached out to apologize, Dr. Okoye responded, “No.”

He also revealed that Precious was considering legal action. "She is suing me to court for public harassment, he stated.

Hearing the word “sue” was unexpected. Did Precious believe she had been wronged? Or, was she simply unwilling to accept accountability? Why go the extra mile to sue your lecturer? Does it mean the expulsion punishment by the school was wrong despite in-depth investigation by the school authority on the case?
Several questions run through the mind as concerned citizens anticipate the definitive legal action from Precious.

Recall that, in her initial public statement, she had claimed that “I didn’t even know he was a lecturer,” a claim that raises an important question whether she would have acted differently if she had known his identity and status.
If she reserves her respect only for persons she knows to be in positions of authority, rather than others and on principle, is this indicative of a kink in her value system quotient?

In itself, the decision to expel Precious sparked widespread debate.

Among the commentators were critics of the punishment who thought it was heavy-handed. Student-turned-politician, Charles Nwufoh, criticized the verdict, arguing that a university should be a place for more of discipline and correction than severe punishment as was the case with Precious.

Veteran journalist, Sir Tony Okafor, weighed in on the preference for rehabilitation of learning instead of extreme punitive measures.
Okafor called for “a rehabilitative approach for the girl student in helping her adapt to her environment.”

Yet, UNIZIK’s motto: “Discipline, Excellence, and Self-Reliance” suggests a firm stance on character and behavioral expectations. If the goal is to produce graduates who are morally upright and self-disciplined, was the expulsion justified?

There was support from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the university. The union, of which Dr. Okoye is a member, extolled the calmness of the lecturer while the situation escalated.

On the whole, the matter raises rhetorical questions:
Firstly, could an initial apology have resolved the matter?
Was Precious’ refusal to delete the video an act of defence or defiance borne of personal conviction?
Could Dr. Okoye have been within his rights to demand the deletion of the video?
Does this matter demand litigation in a court of justice as an avenue for resolution?
Should the university have pursued alternative disciplinary measures instead of expulsion?
More broadly, the saga highlights the importance of values instilled in the youth of today.
In the African society, particularly in Igbo culture, respect is a fundamental principle. And I ask: have modern influences eroded these cultural ideals?
Perhaps, if mutual respect had been exercised, this dispute could have been resolved quietly and early enough without the glare of public scrutiny.
This case serves as a lesson on conflict resolution, respect, and the evolving moral compass of young adults in a digital age. The outer society is a melting pot of diverse cultures, beliefs, and behaviors. How individuals navigate these interactions determines their trajectory in life.
One thing remains certain: a simple sentence, ‘l AM SORRY’ could have changed the entire narrative.

IFEANYI NDUKWE (Saint) is an Anambra-based journalist, author, paint artist, and scriptwriter writes from Awka.