Alumni commend UNIZIK’s expulsion of student for assaulting lecturer

Alumni of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University have commended the institution’s decision to expel a student, Chimamaka Goddy-Mbakwe, who assaulted a lecturer of the university, Dr Chukwudi Okoye, for disrupting her TikTok video.

A video where Goddy-Mbakwe was assaulting the lecturer surfaced online on Wednesday, generating widespread attention on social media.

The management of the university set up a panel on the conduct of the student.

The panel found her guilty of misconduct and recommended her for expulsion which was adopted by the university authorities.

In an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the acting Registrar, Victor I. Modebelu, the university stated that the student’s actions were a gross violation of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4.

“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,” the statement said.

Reacting to the development, President of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association, Ikechukwu Umeh, commended the university, saying that the strong action would serve as a deterrent to students who might consider engaging in such behaviour.

He said, “It was not a one-man show; there was a committee involved, and they recommended that she be expelled. They acted in accordance with the university’s regulations. People have been reaching out to the alumni, seeking to know our position, and we condemn the act.”

“It is unacceptable, and we do not want it to persist as a lesson to other students. While one is a student at UNIZIK, one must maintain good character and behaviour. This is not in line with our way of life. We all graduated from the university with strong moral standing, and we are grateful to the management for their decisive action.”

Also speaking, the President of the Theatre Arts Department Alumni, Ozi Okoli, lauded the management’s decision to expel the student.

He said, “This is what we expected when the university decided to set up a disciplinary panel. We were looking forward to a peaceful resolution based on proper interrogation and investigation.

“However, we were informed that the student appeared at the panel and presented a version of events that differed from what actually occurred. Everyone was shocked. The Theatre Arts alumni strongly advocated for the expulsion, and we do not wish for the issue to be resolved in any other way. This is an African society, where respect for elders is paramount.”