A member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, has appealed to the authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) to reconsider the expulsion of a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, who was involved in an altercation with a lecturer.
The student was expelled for assaulting Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. However, Rep. Salam believes that the punishment is too harsh and has urged the university to offer the student a second chance.
Salam shared his own experience as a student leader in 1992, when he and four others were expelled from their university for “gross misconduct and insubordination to constituted authority.” He expressed gratitude for overcoming the setback, which could have ended his education and future prospects.
The lawmaker described the student as a “silly girl” and presumed first-time offender, pleading for her punishment to be reduced if she shows remorse and a willingness to change. He argued that expulsion could ruin her life and future opportunities, urging the university to avoid throwing her “into the wilderness of life.”
Salam’s appeal has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of the punishment and the need for universities to balance discipline with compassion and rehabilitation.
