The recent expulsion of a student from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, following an altercation with a lecturer, has sparked conversations about discipline, respect, and the growing trend of selective obedience among students.
While disciplinary action serves as a deterrent, the real lesson lies in understanding the root causes of such misconduct and reorienting students and lecturers toward fostering a culture of respect and responsibility within the university community.
A disturbing trend has emerged where students only acknowledge lecturers who teach them directly, disregarding those from other departments or faculties. This misplaced sense of authority has led to increasing incidents of disrespect, as seen in this recent case.
A university is not just a collection of departments but an integrated academic environment where every staff member, whether teaching or non-teaching, deserves respect. Every lecturer represents the institution’s authority and must be accorded the same level of regard, regardless of whether they directly instruct a student or not.
Education extends beyond the classroom; it is a transformative process that shapes character, values, and ethics. Universities play an important role in nurturing responsible individuals, ensuring that discipline and ethical conduct are upheld.
Lecturers, as custodians of knowledge, stand in locus parentis- a position of guardianship and moral responsibility over students. The erosion of this principle is evident in the increasing cases of indiscipline, where some students fail to recognize lecturers as figures of guidance and authority.
Indiscipline is not an overnight occurrence. It is a seed planted at home, nurtured in school, and eventually harvested by society. Parents lay the foundation for discipline, but the university environment reinforces and solidifies these values.
If students are allowed to show disregard for authority figures in the university, it is only a matter of time before they extend this behaviour to their workplaces and the broader society. What starts as defiance against a lecturer today could evolve into a culture of lawlessness, professional misconduct, or even criminal tendencies in the future.
While student behaviour needs urgent attention, lecturers themselves must also introspect. Some lecturers sow division among students or instigate conflicts between departments, creating an environment of rivalry and hostility.
This unprofessional conduct often manifests in students taking sides, leading to disrespect for lecturers outside their immediate academic circles. Rather than fueling these unnecessary conflicts, lecturers should instill in students the values of unity, respect, and professionalism.
Additionally, the issue of ethical misconduct among lecturers cannot be ignored. The menace of sex-for-marks and financial extortion weakens the moral fabric of the university system. When students are subjected to exploitation, they develop resentment towards authority, often leading to rebellion and defiance.
Lecturers who engage in such despicable acts give students a reason to challenge the system. On the other hand, those who uphold academic integrity and professionalism deserve recognition and commendation. It is their commitment that ensures the university remains a place of learning, growth, and ethical development.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University stands on the principles of Discipline, Self-Reliance, and Excellence. These are not mere words but guiding values that should shape the actions of every student and staff member. Discipline lays the foundation for success, self-reliance fosters creativity and resilience, and excellence ensures that graduates of the institution stand out in their respective fields. Students must internalize these principles, understanding that their conduct today will influence their future opportunities and reputation.
This incident should serve as more than just an example of punishment. It is a wake-up call for all stakeholders in the university community to re-examine their roles. Students must understand that respect is a fundamental virtue that transcends departmental boundaries. Lecturers must embrace their responsibility as role models, instilling values that foster personal and professional growth. The university administration must strengthen policies that promote discipline, ensuring that both students and lecturers adhere to the ethical standards that define a respectable academic environment.
Education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about developing character and values. A true university graduate is not merely someone who has passed exams but someone who embodies discipline, respect, and a strong moral compass. This incident should be a lesson not just in enforcement but in reflection, transformation, and the collective responsibility of shaping a generation of students who understand the essence of respect, discipline, and ethical conduct in their journey through life.
By: Gabriel Chy Alonta
Gabriel Chy Alonta, PhD, is a media consultant and lecturer in the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
