NANS Condemns Assault on UNIZIK Lecturer, Demands Probe

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

This followed an altercation which reportedly happened on Tuesday at the Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between a female student and lecturer, identified as Dr Chukwudi Michael, over the interruption of a TikTok video recording the student was making.

In a viral video, the student is seen dancing around a corridor and the lecturer, in an attempt to pass, tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Excuse me’, while passing behind her.

But in displeasure, reacted by saying, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?’

In another video clip, the female student and the lecturer were seen in a physical altercation.

In response, NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for students’ rights while emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect for authority.

“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.

Akinteye described the student’s actions as unacceptable, stressing that universities should remain citadels of learning built on mutual respect. While acknowledging students’ rights to self-expression, including social media use, he urged them to exercise such rights with responsibility and decorum.

The NANS Senate President reiterated that the association would not support any student who engages in unlawful behavior, disrespects lecturers, or tarnishes the image of the academic community. He called on the management of UNIZIK to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the incident.

“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 added.

Akinteye emphasized that academic environments must remain spaces of respect, learning, and professional engagement.