The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has suspended Professor Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for three months on half salary.
According to Naija News, the decision followed the preliminary report of a six-member Special Investigative Panel constituted after a viral incident involving the lecturer and a female student.
The suspension was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, after the panel submitted its preliminary findings on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The university’s official profile identifies Odinye as a professor in the Department of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Arts.
Suspension Based on Examination Procedures
The university clarified that the initial disciplinary action was based on alleged breaches of its General and Academic Regulations concerning the handling of an examination misconduct case.
The investigative panel found that Odinye allegedly failed to record and submit the case through the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.
It also found that a mobile phone reportedly recovered from the student during an examination was returned to her on the same day, contrary to the university’s regulations.
Following the findings, the university referred the student’s examination-related case to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further consideration.
Sexual Harassment Allegation Still Unresolved
The university stressed that the panel had considered only two of the five issues contained in its terms of reference.
The allegation of sexual harassment has not been determined.
The remaining issues include establishing whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the physical attack on Odinye and determining whether any kidnapping incident was connected to the matter.
The Vice-Chancellor consequently extended the panel’s mandate by another two weeks to allow it to complete its investigation and submit final recommendations.
Any further disciplinary action or possible criminal proceedings will be considered after the final report is received.
Viral Video Triggered Investigation
The controversy began on August 15, 2026, when videos circulated online showing Odinye being confronted, pursued and physically assaulted after an allegation of attempted sexual misconduct involving a female student.
The university condemned the violence and warned against jungle justice while announcing an impartial investigation into both the allegation against the lecturer and the attack carried out against him.
One of the videos reportedly showed the student leaving the lecturer’s office while appearing distressed. Another showed individuals pursuing the lecturer as he attempted to leave the area in a tricycle.
The circumstances surrounding the footage remain under investigation.
University Promises Fair Hearing
UNIZIK said the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the principles of transparency, fair hearing and protection of the welfare of both staff and students.
The university maintained that it had zero tolerance for sexual harassment, unethical conduct, violence and breaches of its academic regulations.
Odinye has not been found guilty of sexual harassment or sexual assault, and the allegation remains subject to the panel’s continuing investigation.
Legallinkz has withheld the female student’s name and photograph because of the sensitive nature of the allegation and the ongoing inquiry.
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