UNIZIK Suspends Lecturer for Three Months Over Sexual Misconduct

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye, for three months and placed him on half salary over alleged sexual misconduct and contravention of the university’s General and Academic Regulations.

The statement read, “The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, has approved the suspension of Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye, a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, for a period of three months with half salary on the first instance, following the recommendations of the six-man special investigative panel who submitted their preliminary report on Friday, August 21, 2026.

“The student involved in the unfortunate incident, Chikamso Okechukwu, according to the directive of the Vice Chancellor, has been referred to the student’s examination misconduct committee

“The Vice Chancellor has also extended the duration of the committee for another two weeks to enable the team to complete their assignment and address in full their five-point terms of reference.

“The Panel, Chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, in their preliminary report which dealt on two issues out of the five for determination, indicted Prof. Odinye for contravening Section 5.8.3 of the General and Academic Regulations of Nnamdi Azikiwe University by failing to not only record and submit the case of examination misconduct against Chikamso Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form, but also gave back the offending phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day in total disregard to section 5.8.1(iv) of the GAR.

“Other three issues for determination by the committee which shall be addressed within the two weeks extended time frame included ‘whether there was sexual harassment, identities of the persons involved in the assault meted to Prof. Odinye and whether there was any incident of kidnapping in the matter’.

“The committee members are expected to conclude their findings with recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final verdict, including possible criminal prosecution, is initiated.

“The Vice Chancellor reiterates the stance of his administration’s prioritisation of staff/ student’s welfare and zero tolerance to unethical practices while upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing.”

Written by Ikenna Obianeri of PUNCH Newspapers