Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, for assaulting a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.

The decision, conveyed in an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, was signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu.

The university stated that the expulsion followed recommendations from the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found Precious guilty of gross misconduct in violation of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4 (SDR).

The incident, which sparked widespread outrage after a viral video surfaced online, reportedly involved Precious attacking Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the department. Sources indicate that the altercation ensued after the lecturer interrupted a TikTok video she was recording on campus.

The expulsion letter, which confirmed the university’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline, directed Precious to vacate the school premises immediately and return any university property in her possession.

“The Ag. Vice-Chancellor has received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee on the case of your assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations, particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).

“Consequently, the Ag. 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 letter stated.

This development reinforces UNIZIK’s commitment to maintaining discipline and academic integrity within the institution.

The Adamawa State Government has launched a gender policy on education aimed at increasing girls’ access to quality learning opportunities.

Unveiled in Yola on Friday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Garba Pella, the policy was developed in partnership with the Jamal Hakeem Foundation and with support from the Malala Fund.

Represented by Mrs. Mary Yuwadi, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Education, Pella emphasized the policy’s focus on promoting gender equity in education.

“The goal of the policy is to build a just society devoid of discrimination, where women, men, girls, and boys are equitably integrated into all sectors of national development.

“It also aims to empower girls and women by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate fully in society and achieve their potential,” he stated.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating gender-responsive strategies into its education policies. These include encouraging gender-inclusive teaching techniques, forming gender clubs, and implementing measures to enhance girls’ school enrollment and retention.

Mr. Joel Jutum, Lead Consultant for Education Policy Development at the Jamal Hakeem Foundation, disclosed that the policy would be implemented over a three-year period, followed by a review and evaluation.

He stressed the need for effective execution, noting that, “The government is mandated to formulate policies, but we have domesticated the National Policy on Education to address specific gender issues in Adamawa.

“This way, policy implementers in the state can better understand the document and take necessary actions to narrow gender gaps in education.”

Jutum further highlighted major challenges affecting girls’ education in the state, including limited access to schooling, early and forced marriages, inadequate girls-only schools, and a shortage of female mentors.

He expressed optimism that the implementation of the policy would help eliminate these barriers and foster gender equality in education.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Federal Ministry of Regional Development to prioritize investments in education as a means to combat poverty in the region.

Speaking at a meeting with NEDC management at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he was briefed on the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP), Shettima commended the commission’s efforts in education, stating that such initiatives would leave a lasting legacy.

He described education as “the greatest leveller” that could uplift even the most disadvantaged individuals and stressed the need to sustain the momentum of the ASSEP initiative.

Highlighting the extreme poverty in the North East, Shettima compared the region’s situation to some of the poorest areas in the world and linked the rise of militant groups to these dire socioeconomic conditions.

Despite these challenges, he praised NEDC and its partners, including Dr Mariam Masha, for their commitment to ASSEP, emphasizing its potential to reshape the educational landscape of the region. He particularly lauded the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, which he said were revolutionizing learning by enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.

“These digital tools will help the region leapfrog into the industrial age, providing immense benefits such as improved knowledge retention and remote learning capabilities,” he stated.

Shettima called on the NEDC, the Ministry of Regional Development, and other stakeholders to collaborate effectively to ensure the success of ASSEP. He also acknowledged the commission’s challenges but commended its leadership for adhering to due process and regulations.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, noted that ASSEP was designed to enhance secondary education in the North East, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to improve education standards nationwide.

Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, NEDC’s Managing Director, highlighted the commission’s investments in human capital development, including teacher training and the establishment of ICT centres across the region.

The meeting ended with Alkali and Dr Masha presenting VR headsets to the Vice-President in recognition of his support for the initiative.