Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended a professor in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye, for three months following allegations of sexual molestation involving a female student.
Drivetvnews gathered that the university announced that the suspension, approved by Vice Chancellor Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, would be with half salary. The decision followed the preliminary findings of a six-member investigative panel constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Aloysius Attah, the panel submitted its preliminary report on August 21, 2026.
The institution said the preliminary investigation established that Odinye violated provisions of its General and Academic Regulations in the way he handled an examination misconduct case involving the student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu.
The university explained that the professor failed to document and submit the alleged examination misconduct using the prescribed report form. It also said he returned a mobile phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day, contrary to established university regulations.
However, the university stressed that the panel had not yet reached a conclusion on the allegation of sexual molestation.
Attah said the Vice Chancellor had therefore extended the panel’s mandate by another two weeks to enable it to investigate whether sexual harassment actually occurred, identify those responsible for the reported assault on Odinye and determine whether any act of kidnapping was involved.
“The committee members are expected to conclude their findings with recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final verdict is initiated, including possible criminal prosecution,” Attah stated.
The development followed an incident on August 15, when Odinye was reportedly attacked and stripped by some students after a female student allegedly came out of his office carrying his clothes and accused him of attempting to sexually assault her.
A video of the incident later circulated online, showing the lecturer being pursued by individuals believed to be students before he reportedly left the university premises in a tricycle.
UNIZIK said no final determination had been made regarding the sexual assault allegation against the professor.
The female student involved in the incident has also been referred to the university’s examination misconduct committee following a directive from the Vice Chancellor.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of both staff and students, ensuring transparency and fair hearing throughout the process.
It also maintained that it operates a zero-tolerance policy toward unethical conduct.
The investigative panel is expected to complete the remaining aspects of its assignment within the additional two-week period and submit its recommendations to the Vice Chancellor.
The university will subsequently decide whether further disciplinary measures or possible legal action should be taken.
