A dramatic incident occurred at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), when a lecturer allegedly destroyed an architecture student’s project, claiming it was “too good” for the student to have created.
Eyewitnesses reported that the student had presented his final-year project, an architectural model that demonstrated creativity and innovation. However, the lecturer questioned the authenticity of the work, asserting that the design was beyond the student's capabilities. In an act of anger, the lecturer reportedly damaged the project.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, generating widespread outrage among students and netizens, who condemned the act as “academic bullying” and an “abuse of power.” One student witness expressed dismay, stating, “The guy worked on that project for months. Seeing his effort destroyed like that was heartbreaking. Even if the lecturer doubted him, there are better ways to verify.”
Calls are increasing for the university management to investigate the lecturer's actions and ensure fairness for the affected student. Many individuals on social media have also demanded reforms in how lecturers handle student assessments, pointing to this incident as another example of a toxic academic culture in certain institutions.
As of the time of this report, FUTO authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.