A Nigerian lecturer has found himself at the centre of online conversations after delivering a composed but pointed response to a student who bluntly told him, “you don’t know how to teach,” during a disrupted virtual class.
The moment, which unfolded during an online lecture plagued by poor network conditions, has since gone viral—not just for what was said, but how it was handled.
Tension Meets Technology
According to the lecturer, the class was heavily affected by unstable internet connectivity—a familiar struggle in Nigeria’s digital learning space. In the middle of the disruption, a frustrated student reportedly lashed out, questioning his teaching ability.
Rather than react emotionally, the lecturer addressed the situation with calm clarity after the session.
“The network was not very friendly during our class today… I want you to understand that we don’t have much power over network services in Nigeria,” he explained.
He went on to highlight the limitations lecturers face, noting that switching locations or setups mid-class isn’t always practical, especially when already stationed in a fixed environment like an office.
Calm Response, Loud Reactions
His composed response has since triggered mixed reactions online. While many praised his maturity and restraint, others sided with the student, pointing out the growing frustration among learners forced to deal with poor connectivity while paying for education.
The incident has once again spotlighted a bigger issue—Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with reliable internet infrastructure, especially in the education sector where virtual learning remains a necessity for many.
More Than Just One Comment
Beyond the exchange, the moment reflects a deeper tension between students and educators navigating a system where both sides are often victims of the same problem.
For some, it’s about respect in the classroom. For others, it’s about accountability in a system that continues to fall short.
