By VALENTINE OBIENYEM

I could not comment on the behaviour of that UNIZIK student earlier because my Facebook account was suspended. However, I received numerous messages asking for my opinion.

Now that my account has been restored and having had the privilege of reading what others have written, I feel there is no need to add more.

Those who follow me should already know my likely reaction. I am among those who believe that our society is in trouble, considering the kind of individuals we are producing. Most of them do not know their left hand from their right and yet are deluded into believing that there is something spectacular about them. How can anyone justify things like sagging and queer hairstyles under the guise of modernity when, in reality, they are behaviours that fall outside the bounds of rationality?

I have read some arguments excusing the girl’s behaviour, with claims that she was merely defending herself. My question is: defending herself against lions? Initially, I was concerned that there might have been an inappropriate encounter between her and the lecturer, but evidently, nothing of the sort happened.

If the certificate awarded at graduation is meant to attest to both academic and moral fitness, then is it not part of the responsibility of lecturers to ensure that students are morally upright at that level?

I recall a discussion with my former Rector, Monsignor Jeremiah Ikegbusi. Comparing our time to what he observed about a decade ago as the seminary’s spiritual director, he lamented that many of those entering the seminary were barely trained. He noted that some parents relied on the seminary to instil discipline, forgetting that a solid moral foundation begins at home.

The situation we see today reflects the kind of children we are raising. They are called Gen Z, but in reality, we are dealing with individuals far removed from true civilisation.

I am, therefore, completely against what the young lady did. In my view, she should be thoroughly punished. I would have recommended expulsion, but I also consider that her parents may also suffer the consequences more. Perhaps this is an opportunity to save a soul. From what I have observed, if the University takes to this path, she might end up in hook-up culture. Let us rescue another soul for the moral well-being of society – perhaps suspension will suffice. It will be a lesson to her and to her parents as well.

Let this also serve as a lesson to today’s children: actions have consequences.

History offers valuable lessons on how society can correct misconduct. Plutarch, the father of biography, told the story of an epidemic of suicide among the women of Miletus. To curb the disturbing trend, the authorities passed a law stating that any woman who took her own life would be carried naked through the marketplace before burial. The law worked instantly – the suicides stopped. The shame of public disgrace was enough to deter them.

This story underscores an important truth: sometimes, strong and visible consequences are necessary to correct behaviour. If UNIZIK fails to take decisive action against students who exhibit such levels of misconduct, we risk encouraging even worse behaviour in the future.

Discipline must be enforced, not just for the individual in question but as a deterrent to others. Otherwise, we risk raising a generation that sees no boundaries, no morality, and no consequences for their actions. A generation that has a total disregard for propriety yet is fond of appealing to legality.

•Obienyem writes from Awka.