The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, for three months over alleged sexual misconduct and violations of the university’s General and Academic Regulations.
The suspension follows a preliminary report submitted by a six-member Special Investigative Panel set up by the university to investigate allegations surrounding an incident involving the lecturer and a female student.
Two weeks ago, a video showing Odinye being physically assaulted by some students went viral. The lecturer was reportedly attacked after allegations emerged that he attempted to take advantage of a female student whom he had earlier accused of examination malpractice.
According to the university, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, approved the suspension following recommendations contained in the panel’s preliminary report, which was submitted on Friday.
The university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Aloysius Attah, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, August 24.
The institution also referred the student involved, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.
According to the university, the preliminary report addressed two of the five issues contained in the panel’s terms of reference.
The panel found that Odinye violated Section 5.8.3 of the university’s General and Academic Regulations by failing to properly record and submit the alleged examination misconduct involving Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.
The panel also found that the lecturer returned a mobile phone recovered from the student during the examination to her on the same day, contrary to Section 5.8.1(iv) of the regulations.
However, the panel has yet to conclude its investigation into three other key issues. These include whether sexual harassment occurred, the identities of those involved in the assault against Odinye, and whether there was any incident of kidnapping connected to the matter.
The university said the investigative panel had been given an additional two weeks to complete its work and submit its recommendations to the Vice Chancellor.
A final decision, including the possibility of criminal prosecution where necessary, will be taken after the investigation is concluded.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the university administration’s commitment to the welfare of both staff and students, stating that the institution maintains zero tolerance for unethical practices while upholding transparency and the principle of fair hearing.