UNIZIK: Does Expulsion Solve It All?

The expulsion of a Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, over an altercation with a lecturer has sparked widespread debate.

The incident reportedly stemmed from the student recording a TikTok video on campus, leading to a confrontation with Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, which escalated into physical assault.

While the university acted swiftly by expelling the student, a critical question arises: Is rustication the ultimate solution to the problem, or does this case reflect a deeper societal issue that needs urgent attention?

TikTok has become a major influence on youth culture, including in Nigeria, where students frequently engage in video challenges, pranks, and dances—even within academic environments. Several videos have surfaced online showing female students recording content while their lecturers walk past them, without any altercation. The question then becomes: What made this case different?

Does the UNIZIK case set a precedent for dealing with students who use school premises for social media content? If so, will the same punishment be meted out to every student caught recording TikTok videos on campus, or is this decision solely based on the escalation of the incident into physical assault? More importantly, will the expulsion of one student deter future occurrences, or is a more comprehensive solution required?

This case also raises concerns about the potential for similar or even worse incidents in the future. What if next time, it is a male student attacking a female lecturer? How prepared are universities to handle such situations? Is there a concrete policy in place to address the broader issue of student misconduct beyond individual cases?

We must consider whether disciplinary actions should be reactive or proactive. While this case has led to expulsion, there is no guarantee that a similar incident will not occur in the future, possibly with greater consequences.

Another critical issue that cannot be ignored is the increasing trend of young Nigerian women using TikTok to expose their bodies in exchange for virtual gifts and online fame. A simple scroll through TikTok reveals numerous cases where young girls deliberately engage in suggestive or inappropriate content for monetary benefits. This speaks to a broader societal concern—are we losing grip on moral values in the digital era?

The news media frequently reports on Nigerian TikTok influencers engaging in explicit content, often leading to online scandals. The question remains: What role do parents, schools, and the government play in curbing this growing trend? Is there a need for stricter regulations on social media use among students, or should the focus be on digital literacy and moral education?

The expulsion of the UNIZIK student might serve as a warning to others, but it does not necessarily address the root cause of the issue. Unless there is a structured approach to dealing with student behavior, digital ethics, and lecturer-student relationships, similar cases will continue to emerge. Rather than focusing only on punitive measures, institutions should take a holistic approach by fostering dialogue, enforcing clear policies, and promoting digital responsibility among students. Only then can we ensure that such incidents do not become recurring problems in Nigerian universities.

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