He was known for how he handled latecomers, and those stories weren't exaggerated. Students from the previous session had been punished so severely that the fear of him had seeped into the bones and marrows of every fresh student.
Coming late to his class was one thing. Not being seated when he walked in? Immediate regret.
Nnenna froze, realizing the kind of attention she had just drawn.
The students collectively thought back to the tragic fates of the coursemates on the first day of lectures when they had resumed. Those who came late to his class had been sentenced instantly, five marks deducted. Just like that.
It didn't matter if you later wrote a perfect exam and scored 100%. You would still end up with 95% all because you were late once. It was a fixed policy. No negotiations. No second chances.
As for absences? After five to ten classes missed without a formal excuse, your name might as well vanish from the course register.
