There was chaos at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, after a female student reportedly bit a lecturer during an altercation sparked by a TikTok recording on campus.
The incident, which occurred at the Faculty of Arts, has since gone viral, with multiple videos circulating on social media, showing the shocking confrontation between the student and the lecturer, identified as Dr. Chukwudi Michael.
Eyewitnesses said the altercation began when Dr. Michael attempted to walk past the student, who was filming a dance video in the faculty corridor. The lecturer reportedly touched the student’s shoulder lightly while passing, a gesture that enraged her.
“She shouted, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?’ and started creating a scene,” an eyewitness, who requested anonymity, told reporters.
The situation quickly escalated as the student grabbed the lecturer’s clothes and refused to let go, prompting concerned bystanders to step in.
A viral video from the scene captures the lecturer standing with his hands raised in a non-threatening manner while the student aggressively held onto him. Another video shows a visibly agitated crowd watching the drama unfold.
A Clash Over a TikTok Video
Sources close to the matter revealed that Dr. Michael had returned to confront the student after overhearing her make insulting remarks about him following their initial encounter. It was at this point that he noticed she was recording a TikTok video and allegedly reached for her phone, fearing that he might have been captured in the footage.
“He asked her to delete any video that had him in it,” said a faculty member familiar with the case. “That’s when things got physical, and she bit him.”
Photographs shared online show deep bite marks on the lecturer’s arms, evidence of the physical nature of the dispute. Reports suggest that the student is a 300-level History and International Studies major and the daughter of a lecturer from the university’s Faculty of Engineering.
University Authorities React
The school’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the incident, stating that the university had launched an internal investigation.
“Yes, we are aware of what happened,” Chukwurah said. “Investigations are ongoing, and the university will make its position known once all facts have been established.”
The case has sparked heated discussions online, with many Nigerians debating whether the lecturer overstepped his bounds or if the student’s reaction was excessive.
“Why would a lecturer interfere in a student’s private activity? Was she disturbing his class?” one Twitter user wrote.
Others, however, criticized the student’s reaction, calling it disrespectful and unwarranted.
“A student biting a lecturer? That’s completely out of line. Universities are places of learning, not boxing rings,” another social media user commented.
A Growing Concern Over Social Media Culture in Nigerian Universities
The incident has reignited discussions about the increasing influence of social media on university life in Nigeria. Many institutions, including UNIZIK, have struggled with students prioritizing social media fame over academic activities.
In recent years, universities have attempted to curb disruptive behavior linked to social media trends, with some implementing policies restricting TikTok and Instagram content creation in academic environments.
