Unizik

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Nnamdi Azikwe University has expelled the female student that allegedly assaulted a lecturer from department of Theatre an Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations.

The acting Vice Chancellor of the varsity approved the recommendation of the Students Disciplinary Committee that recommends the expulsion of Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious of Department of History and International Studies who brazenly assaulted the lecturer for being passing on her front when she was making Tiktok video and this caused the video disrupted.

The announcement of her expulsion comes from the office of the acting Registrar of the university and it says the expulsion takes immediate effect.

“You are expected to vacate the university premises immediately and return any university property in your possession”, the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the reported assault of a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) by a student over a TikTok recording.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Senate President of NANS, Babatunde Akinteye, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to upholding students’ rights as he emphasizes the need for discipline, respect for authority, and adherence to institutional rules.

“NANS has always been at the forefront of advocating for students’ rights, academic freedom, and a conducive learning environment.

However, we equally uphold discipline, respect for authority, and adherence to the laws governing our institutions.

“It is in this light that we strongly condemn the reported incident at UNIZIK, where a student physically assaulted a lecturer over a TikTok recording,” Akinteye stated.

He further described the act as unacceptable, stressing that academic institutions should be places of learning built on mutual respect between students and lecturers.

“While students have the right to self-expression, including the use of social media, such rights must be exercised with decorum, responsibility, and respect for others. The reported action of the student is an embarrassment to the student body and does not represent the values of the Nigerian student community,” he added.

Akinteye reiterated that while NANS remains dedicated to protecting students’ rights and welfare, it will not support any student who disrespects lecturers, violates institutional laws, or tarnishes the reputation of the academic community.

“In light of this incident, we call on the management of UNIZIK to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation to establish the facts of the case. Due diligence must be observed, and all parties involved should be given a fair hearing. However, if the student is found guilty, appropriate sanctions should be applied in line with the institution’s regulations to serve as a deterrent to others,” he stated.

He also noted that the academic environment must be preserved as a space for respect, learning, and professional engagement.

By Anwar Usman

Prof. Bernard Odoh, the sacked Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday, expressed concern over the method through which he was removed as the university’s VC, stating that it didn’t follow the due process.

Odoh’s concerns follow his sack and that of the university’s governing council over his purported “illegal” appointment.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, he stated that the Federal Government needed to wade in to address brewing tensions.

“The removal of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The government lamented over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process,” read the statement.

However, the removed VC, in an interview on Arise TV, maintained that he won’t accept his removal through a press release but rather after the recommendations of an investigating council.

He further stated that, “I’m not disobeying the President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my removal after investigating me,” adding that “Mr President could have been wrongly advised.”

“You can’t sack somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release.

“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure,” he added.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the Governing Council of the institution of failing to follow due process in Odoh’s appointment and had demanded that the ministry dissolve the council over acts of illegality.