By Seun Ajanaku, Reporting
THE management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has expelled a female third-year student, Precious Mbakwe, after she was found guilty of assaulting a lecturer, Chukwudi Okoye, in a widely circulated video.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, along the faculty corridor, began as a TikTok dance video but quickly escalated into a heated confrontation. The situation intensified when Ms. Mbakwe accused the lecturer of touching her inappropriately, an allegation that sparked widespread debate and scrutiny.
The Incident
According to footage shared online, Ms. Mbakwe was filming a TikTok dance video in the corridor when Mr. Okoye, a lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, walked past her. The lecturer, in an attempt to pass through, tapped her arm gently and said, “Excuse me.”
According to footage shared online, Ms. Mbakwe was filming a TikTok dance video in the corridor when Mr. Okoye, a lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, walked past her.
However, Ms. Mbakwe reacted angrily, giving him a look of disdain before turning to someone off-camera and saying, “Can you imagine? He just hit me.”
In subsequent videos that went viral, Ms. Mbakwe confronted Mr. Okoye, demanding to know why he touched her.
The situation quickly escalated, attracting students and university officials. At one point, Ms. Mbakwe insinuated that the lecturer had touched her breast area, an accusation that fueled public outrage and divided opinions.
University Orders Full-Scale Investigation
As the controversy spread, UNIZIK management intervened, ordering a full-scale investigation. In a statement signed by the university’s spokesperson, Njelita Louis, the institution assured the public that it was taking the matter seriously.
“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, Joseph I. Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter,” the statement read.
The university urged students and the public to remain calm, promising that appropriate actions and sanctions would be taken based on the investigation’s findings.
Expulsion of Precious Mbakwe
Following a thorough review by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, Ms. Mbakwe was found guilty of assaulting Mr. Okoye. The university also concluded that there was no evidence to support her claims of sexual harassment.
In a letter signed by UNIZIK’s registrar, Victor Modebelu, (dated 13th February, 2025) and addressed to Ms. Mbakwe, the institution stated that she had violated Regulation 4 (SDR) of the Students’ Disciplinary Regulations.
The letter, titled “Expulsion from Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” confirmed that her expulsion takes immediate effect, as approved by the acting Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the University Senate.
“Consequently, the Acting 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 letter stated.
The university also directed Ms. Mbakwe to vacate the campus immediately and return any university property in her possession.
Public Reactions and Debate
The incident has ignited heated discussions on student-lecturer interactions, social media influence, and false allegations of harassment.
Dr. Chukwudi Okoye
While some condemned Ms. Mbakwe’s behavior and misuse of a serious allegation, others raised concerns about how such situations should be handled in the future. Many have also pointed out the growing impact of social media culture on student conduct, questioning whether institutions should set stricter guidelines on filming within academic environments.
Precious Mbakwe
UNIZIK’s decisive action serves as a clear warning against indiscipline while reaffirming its commitment to fairness and justice in handling campus disputes.
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