A recent classroom proposal at a Nigerian university has ignited a fiery debate on the ethics of lecturer-student relationships.
Pictures and videos shared online show a lecturer popping the question to his fiancée, a student, in front of her classmates. This unconventional proposal has divided opinions, prompting a lively discussion on Nigeria Info's Sunny Side programme.
A supporter of the relationship argued that love knows no bounds. He does not “see anything wrong with it,” comparing it to a pastor marrying a member of their congregation.
Another caller pointed out potential power imbalances and conflicts of interest inherent in such relationships, suggesting the lecturer should have resigned before pursuing marriage. “You can resign and marry her!” she said.
One more caller expressed discomfort with the school setting, suggesting that while a relationship might be acceptable outside the classroom, the power dynamics within the academic environment make it inappropriate. “In that environment it’s wrong, outside that environment, you can do,” he said.
Watch here:
