…Calls For Thorough Investigation, Recommends Rustication For Affected Student
A group christened as Coalition For Peaceful Coexistence (CPC) has called for Justice in the case of assault on a lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka in Anambra State, Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Group President, Don Syno, and addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, it condemned in a strong terms the ugly and disrespectful incident where a lecturer of that calibre was physically assaulted by a 100 level female student as he was making his way to his office.
“This is a total disregard for the personality of a University Teacher. It is an act of indiscipline, disrespect and disregards for authorities within the academic environment in Nigeria.”
Reports earlier had it that the lecturer, a senior member in one of the University Faculty with track records of humility, gentleness, calm and reserved only sought to pass through a corridor where the student was making a video of herself, but his request was met with defiance and hostility leading to an unprovoked attack in which the lecturer was physically assaulted with his clothes torn and also sustained injuries including bite wounds.
The statement noted that; “It is deeply troubling that certain individuals have attempted to shift the narrative, justifying the student’s behavior rather than addressing the real issue—an outright act of violence against a respected academic figure.
“The university must send a clear message that such misconduct has no place in an institution of learning and character formation”
The group who commended the lecturer Dr. Okoye of the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies for his maturity and exposure, stated that despite the aggression on him, he still displayed commendable restraint, refusing to retaliate against his attacker.
They added that the University is not only a place of academic learning but also for character formation and therefore demanded that;
1. The authority involved should ensure Justice is done on the matter and to also conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident to ascertain the full facts and hold the responsible party accountable.
2. To enforce disciplinary measures and Implement appropriate sanctions against the student in accordance with university regulations whilst rustication and legal action should be considered to serve as a deterrent to future acts of violence against academic staff.
3. To reaffirmed the Institutional Values and Reinforce the principles of respect, discipline, and decorum expected within the university community through awareness campaigns and policy enforcement.
4. To Protect Academic Staff and Establish stronger mechanisms to safeguard lecturers and other university personnel from harassment and attacks while carrying out their lawful duties.
The group maintained that the case is not just about one lecturer; it is about upholding the integrity and dignity of the academic profession, adding that the university environment must remain a place of learning, mutual respect, and civility, not a battleground where students feel emboldened to assault their lecturers without consequence.
“We trust in the university’s commitment to justice and await swift action to ensure that this matter is resolved appropriately.”
Sincerely,
Don Syno
President
Coalition For Peaceful Coexistence CPC
#Unizik #npf #Nass #nans #Senate
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
#unizikofficial #vcunizik
UNIZIK CONNECT 2024/2025