Arresting the drift: UNIZIK’s decisive action, a model

BY WILFRED TOBY

The recent disciplinary action taken by Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) is a crucial step in addressing the growing indiscipline and moral decay in Nigeria’s university system. The expulsion of a student for assaulting a lecturer is not just about maintaining order within the institution—it is a bold statement that underscores the urgent need to restore discipline, respect, and ethical standards in the nation’s higher education sector.

Over the years, Nigerian universities have witnessed a worrisome nosedive in discipline and moral values, with cases of student misconduct, lecturer-student conflicts, examination malpractice, cultism, and administrative corruption becoming increasingly common. This decay reflects a broader societal issue where respect for authority, due process, and ethical behaviour are being eroded.

The university, which should be a training ground for future leaders, has instead become a battleground for moral decadence, where many students feel emboldened to challenge institutional authority without consequences. Cases of students disrespecting lecturers, engaging in unruly behaviour, and even physically attacking university staff highlight a disturbing trend that threatens the integrity of the education system.

At the heart of this crisis is a failure to enforce discipline. Many institutions have been slow to take decisive actions against misconduct, either due to fear of backlash, external influences, or a culture of leniency that enables bad behaviour. As a result, indiscipline festers, setting a dangerous precedent for future generations of students.

By swiftly investigating and expelling a student for physically assaulting a lecturer, UNIZIK has demonstrated that it will not tolerate acts of indiscipline that undermine the sanctity of the academic environment.

This action is significant for several reasons:

Reaffirming respect for authority

The lecturer-student relationship is built on mutual respect. When a student assaults a lecturer, it is an attack on the very foundation of academic order. The university’s response sends a strong message that such acts will not go unpunished, thereby discouraging further occurrences of student misconduct.

Setting a precedent for other institutions

Many universities have struggled to take bold disciplinary actions against erring students due to external pressures or bureaucratic delays. UNIZIK’s firm stance provides a model for other institutions to follow, proving that enforcing discipline is both necessary and achievable.

Restoring the reputation of the university system

Incidents of indiscipline, especially those that go unpunished, tarnish the reputation of Nigeria’s education system. A zero-tolerance approach to misconduct restores public confidence in universities, ensuring that they remain places of learning and character-building.

Preparing students for the real world

Universities are meant to prepare students in both character and learning, for life beyond academics. In the professional world, indiscipline and lack of character come with severe consequences. By instilling a culture of accountability, UNIZIK is equipping students with the right mindset for success in their careers and society at large.

Addressing the broader decay in education

The decline in educational standards is not just about infrastructure or funding—it is also about values. A system where students believe they can act without consequences is bound to produce graduates who lack ethical grounding. By enforcing discipline, UNIZIK is taking a proactive step to correct this drift and bring the focus back to learning, respect, and personal development.

Since assuming office as vice-chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu has demonstrated a firm commitment to repositioning UNIZIK as a disciplined and excellence-driven institution. His leadership has prioritized ethics, respect, and academic integrity, ensuring that both students and staff adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

The swift action taken in this case is not just about one student’s misconduct—it is a statement of principle, a stand against the broader culture of indiscipline that threatens the credibility of Nigerian universities. Prof. Ikechebelu’s administration is setting a new standard, one where excellence is pursued not just in academics but also in character.

While UNIZIK’s leadership has taken a bold step, the fight against indiscipline in universities requires the collective effort of all stakeholders—students, lecturers, administrators, and policymakers.

To truly arrest the drift, institutions across the country must enforce strict disciplinary measures against acts of misconduct. It is also important to educate students on the importance of ethics, respect, and professionalism. While not overlooking the need to empower lecturers and university authorities to uphold academic discipline without fear or bias.

Importantly, be intentional about creating a culture where students understand that character is just as important as academic performance.

Given, Nigerians are mostly driven by emotions and excuses. But in this case, this decisive action, under the leadership of Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, should serve as a wake-up call to other institutions: the time to arrest the drift of moral decay in education is now.

If Nigerian universities are to produce graduates who will lead with integrity, they must first ensure that the values of respect, accountability, and discipline are deeply ingrained within their walls. UNIZIK has taken the lead—will others follow?

Wilfred Toby is the executive director, Citizens on Alert for Values and Accountability (CAVA).