The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has approved the suspension of a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, for three months over alleged violations relating to an examination misconduct case.

The suspension, which carries half salary, was approved by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, following the submission of an interim report by a six-man Special Investigative Panel on Friday, August 21, 2026.

The panel, chaired by the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, was constituted to investigate allegations surrounding an incident involving staff and students of the Department of Chinese Studies, including claims of kidnapping, assault and examination misconduct.

According to the university, the panel’s preliminary report addressed two of its five terms of reference and indicted Prof. Odinye for allegedly contravening Sections 5.8.3 and 5.8.1(iv) of the university’s General and Academic Regulations.

The panel found that the lecturer allegedly failed to record and submit a report on the examination misconduct involving student Chikamso Favour Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.

It also alleged that Prof. Odinye returned the phone recovered from the student during the examination to her on the same day, contrary to the university’s regulations.

Meanwhile, Okechukwu has been referred to the Students Examination Misconduct Committee for further proceedings.

The university management has also extended the duration of the investigative panel by two weeks to enable it complete the remaining aspects of its assignment.

The outstanding issues include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those allegedly involved in the assault on Prof. Odinye, and establishing whether there was an incident of kidnapping.

The panel is expected to submit its final findings and recommendations to the Vice Chancellor at the end of the extended period.

The university said the final outcome could include possible criminal prosecution, depending on the findings of the panel.

Reiterating his administration’s position, Vice Chancellor Anyaehie said the university remained committed to prioritising the welfare of both staff and students, maintaining zero tolerance for unethical practices, and upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing.

The statement was signed by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, MNIPR.