How Penicillin Changed Medicine Forever

 Exploring a Trajectory of Academic and Moral Decadence in Society

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe

An anonymous African proverb states, "A child may feel emboldened to flex his muscles against his father, thinking youth grants him strength over wisdom." This proverb mirrors the recent controversy between Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a Theatre Arts lecturer, and Precious Chimamaka Goddy-Mbakwe, a 300-level student of History and International Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Anambra State.

This report aims to provide a balanced account of the incident, exploring multiple perspectives while maintaining journalistic neutrality regarding both individuals. Precious Goddy-Mbakwe, known as Pim Pim on TikTok, boasts a following of over 6,000. Her online presence thrives on engaging video content. In contrast, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, an academic with a quiet disposition, is known for his dedication to education and has limited social media activity, apart from a modest presence on Facebook.

This fundamental difference in lifestyle and priorities sets the stage for an incident that would spiral into public discourse. The now-viral altercation reportedly began when Dr. Okoye, after finishing a class, encountered Precious recording a TikTok video on a walkway. Attempting to pass, he tapped her, prompting what he perceived as a disrespectful remark. Concerned that he had inadvertently appeared in her video, Dr. Okoye requested that she delete it. Precious refused, leading to an altercation. This attracted the attention of school security officials, resulting in both individuals being summoned before an investigative panel established by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.

At the time of this report, rumors of Precious's expulsion were circulating but remained unconfirmed by the Theatre Arts and Film Studies department and stakeholders in the academic world. Let's take a look at Precious's side of the story.

Before we draw conclusions, the writer conducted an open interview with the accused colleague and Acting Head of the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, Dr. Nkemakolam Aniukwu, who described Dr. Okoye as a diligent and respected scholar. He lamented the emotional trauma the incident had inflicted on his colleague and his family.

Meanwhile, social media reactions varied. Mazi Ejimofor Opara, Ph.D., initially dismissed the case as trivial. His post read: "I thought it was even a serious course..." Of course, the comments from the former sales manager of Fino Plastika turned politician did not sit well with his fans and associates, resulting in significant backlash. He swiftly retracted his statement within 24 hours with another post that read: "The lecturer from my great alma mater deserves all the commendation. He indeed has a Holy Spirit-controlled temperament."

Similarly, Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan), a social media activist, blamed the student for displaying indiscipline. Hearing from students was quite important. A 400-level History student, who requested anonymity, described the event as chaotic: "At first, I thought it was a joke or a skit. I hope both parties can resolve this amicably." Another student, Juliet (surname withheld), a Theatre Arts student, provided an unexpected revelation: "We and History students don’t get along. They don’t even want to share space with us." This response raised deeper questions about underlying departmental tensions.

The writer's attempt to speak with Dr. Ikenna Odife, Head of the History and International Studies Department, proved futile. He refused to comment and even threatened the journalist. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara, was also unreachable, with his office assistant citing a busy schedule.

Dr. Okoye, however, granted a brief interview, confirming that he had publicly forgiven Precious during an earlier interview with UNIZIK FM 94.1. This act of leniency did not sit well with some alumni, who felt the student’s actions warranted harsher consequences. Notably, when asked whether Precious or her parents had reached out to apologize, Dr. Okoye responded, "No." He also revealed that Precious was considering legal action. "She is suing me to court for public harassment," he stated.

Hearing the word "sue" was unexpected. Did Precious believe she had been wronged, or was she simply unwilling to accept accountability? Why go the extra mile to sue your lecturer? Does it mean the expulsion punishment by the school was wrong despite an in-depth investigation by the school authority on the case? Several questions run through the minds of concerned citizens as they anticipate a visit from Precious's legal team to serve Dr. Okoye with papers.

Her initial public statement, "I didn’t even know he was a lecturer," raises an important question: Would she have acted differently had she known his status? If respect is only extended based on authority rather than principle, does this indicate a decline in our value system? The decision to expel Precious sparked widespread debate. Former student-turned-politician Charles Nwufoh criticized the school’s verdict, arguing that a university should be a place of discipline. Veteran journalist Sir Tony Okafor supported the call for rehabilitation of learning rather than extreme punitive measures. His post read: "Okafor called for a rehabilitative approach for the girl student to help her adapt to her environment."

Yet, UNIZIK’s motto: "Discipline, Excellence, and Self-Reliance" suggests a firm stance on behavioral expectations. If the goal is to produce graduates who are morally upright and self-disciplined, was the expulsion justified? The UNIZIK chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities threw their support behind Dr. Okoye for his calmness while the situation escalated.

The matter raises rhetorical questions: Could an initial apology have resolved the issue? Was Precious’s refusal to delete the video an act of defense or personal conviction? Would Dr. Okoye have been within his rights to demand the deletion of the video? Does this matter require taking it to a court of justice for resolution? Should the university have pursued alternative disciplinary measures instead of expulsion?

More broadly, the saga highlights the importance of values instilled in young people. In African society, particularly in Igbo culture, respect is a fundamental principle. Have modern influences eroded these cultural ideals? Perhaps if mutual respect had been prioritized, this dispute could have been resolved quietly, without the glare of public scrutiny. This case serves as a lesson on conflict resolution, respect, and the evolving moral compass of young adults in a digital age. The outer society is a melting pot of diverse cultures, beliefs, and behaviours. How individuals navigate these interactions determines their trajectory in life.

One thing remains certain: a simple sentence, "I AM SORRY," could have changed the entire narrative.

IFEANYI NDUKWE (Saint) is an Anambra-based journalist, author, painter, and scriptwriter. He writes from Awka.