The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, for three months over alleged breaches of the institution’s General and Academic Regulations.
The lecturer was suspended with half salary following the submission of an interim report by a six-man Special Investigative Panel set up to probe allegations arising from an incident involving him and a female student.
The incident, which was captured in a video that later went viral, reportedly occurred after Odinye allegedly confronted the student over examination malpractice.
The professor was subsequently assaulted and stripped by suspected students, with allegations also emerging that he had attempted to take advantage of the female student.
Panel indicts lecturer over examination malpractice case
The investigative panel, chaired by the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, submitted its preliminary report to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Aloysius Emeka Attah, the preliminary report addressed two of the five issues contained in the panel’s terms of reference.
The panel indicted Odinye for failing to properly document and submit the examination misconduct case involving the student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, as required by the university’s regulations.
It also found that he returned the phone allegedly recovered from the student during the examination on the same day, contrary to the provisions of the university’s General and Academic Regulations.
Sexual harassment allegation still under investigation
Despite the sanction imposed on Odinye, the panel deferred consideration of the allegation of sexual harassment, stating that further investigation was required to establish the facts surrounding the claim.
The remaining issues before the panel include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the assault against Odinye and establishing whether there was any incident of kidnapping.
The university has extended the panel’s tenure by another two weeks to enable it to complete its investigation and submit its recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor.
Student referred for examination misconduct
Meanwhile, the student involved in the incident has been referred to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.
The university said the panel would conclude its findings and make recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor before a final decision is reached on the matter.
The institution also stated that possible criminal prosecution could follow depending on the outcome of the investigations.
UNIZIK management reiterated its commitment to staff and students’ welfare, transparency and fair hearing, while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unethical practices.
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