Campus Discipline in the Digital Age: UNIZIK's Message on Student Conduct

A TikTok video gone wrong has led to a dramatic expulsion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). The institution has taken a firm stance against student misconduct, expelling Chimamaka Goddy-Mbakwe after she was caught on camera assaulting a lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye. The incident, which stemmed from a disruption to Goddy-Mbakwe's TikTok video recording, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and prompting the university to take decisive action.

The university's management swiftly established a panel to investigate the student's conduct. After a thorough review, the panel found Goddy-Mbakwe guilty of misconduct and recommended her expulsion, a recommendation that was subsequently approved by the university authorities. This swift response underscores the university's commitment to maintaining discipline and order on campus.

In an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the acting Registrar, Victor I. Modebelu, the university formally communicated its decision. The letter stated that the student’s actions constituted a 'gross violation' of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4. 'Consequently, the Ag. The 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 declared, leaving no room for doubt about the finality of the decision.

The university's firm stance has garnered praise from alumni. Ikechukwu Umeh, President of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association, commended the institution for its decisive action, stating that it will serve as a powerful deterrent to other students who might contemplate similar behavior. '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,' Umeh stated, emphasizing the collective nature of the decision and the alumni's strong disapproval of the student's actions.

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 behavior. 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,' Umeh added, highlighting the importance of upholding the university's values and the alumni's support for the expulsion.

Ozi Okoli, President of the Theatre Arts Department Alumni, also lauded the management’s decision, echoing the sentiment that the expulsion was the appropriate response. '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,' Okoli said, expressing the alumni's anticipation of a just outcome.

However, Okoli revealed that the student's testimony before the disciplinary panel further fueled the call for her expulsion. '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,' Okoli emphasized, highlighting the perceived disrespect towards the lecturer and the cultural context that influenced the alumni's stance.

Posted on: Mon Mar 24 2025 Back to posts