The recent altercation between a lecturer and a student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has once again sparked conversations about the declining state of morality and character among students in higher institutions.
The viral video of a third-year student, Goddy Precious, confronting and allegedly assaulting Dr. Chukwudi Okoye over a TikTok recording has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
While the full details of the incident are still under investigation, one thing is clear: this is a reflection of a much deeper issue within our academic environment.
A Growing Culture of Disrespect?
Universities are supposed to be centers of learning, discipline, and the development of character. However, recent events suggest that some students no longer uphold the values of respect, humility, and restraint that education is meant to instill. Cases of students openly challenging, insulting, or even assaulting lecturers have become more frequent, raising concerns about the moral compass of the next generation.
Social media has amplified this issue, as students are often more concerned about online validation than appropriate behavior. In this particular case, a simple classroom interaction escalated into a physical altercation, allegedly because the lecturer interrupted a student’s TikTok video. If such trivial matters can lead to aggression, one must question the level of self-discipline and emotional intelligence among students today.
Should Lecturers Be Treated This Way?
While no one is above accountability, the way students engage with their lecturers must reflect the respect and decorum expected in an academic setting. Lecturers dedicate their time and expertise to shaping young minds.
If disputes arise, there are formal channels for addressing grievances, and resorting to public confrontations, aggression, or physical assault should never be an option.
The role of educators in society must be safeguarded.
A situation where a lecturer is physically attacked or humiliated in public does not just demean the individual but also erodes the sanctity of the educational system.
If such incidents are allowed to continue unchecked, it could discourage qualified individuals from pursuing academic roles, ultimately affecting the quality of education.
A Call for Institutional Reforms
The UNIZIK management’s decision to investigate this matter is a welcome development. However, beyond this specific case, Nigerian universities must reinforce disciplinary measures that instill values of respect and responsibility among students. Some steps that could be taken include:
- Character Development Courses: Universities should integrate courses that focus on ethics, respect, and conflict resolution into their curriculum to reinforce proper behavior among students.
- Stronger Disciplinary Measures: There should be clear consequences for actions that violate the expected moral and behavioral standards within universities. A zero-tolerance policy for violence and public misconduct should be upheld.
- Social Media Sensitization: Institutions must educate students on the responsible use of social media. The quest for online relevance should not come at the cost of dignity, respect, or academic integrity.
- Dialogue Between Students and Lecturers: Schools should encourage open communication between students and lecturers to prevent conflicts from escalating unnecessarily. Platforms for constructive discussions should be created to address grievances professionally.
A Time for Reflection
This incident at UNIZIK should serve as a wake-up call. While the investigation will determine the facts and appropriate consequences, the broader issue remains: our society must take urgent steps to restore the values of respect, decorum, and responsibility in our institutions.
Universities should not just produce degree holders but individuals who embody the virtues of discipline and moral excellence.
At the end of the day, education is not just about knowledge; it is also about character. And if we fail to uphold character, we fail the very purpose of learning itself.
1 comment
Children that are not taught accountability for their actions grows up to become adults that think nothing is wrong with their actions. She is just one of the many examples of errors of civilization.