The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye, for three months with half salary following a preliminary investigation into an incident involving alleged sexual harassment and examination misconduct.
The suspension was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, based on the recommendations contained in the preliminary report of a six-man special investigative panel.
However, the university’s statement indicates that the panel has not yet reached a final determination on the allegation of sexual harassment.
According to the university, the preliminary report, submitted on Friday, August 21, 2026, addressed two of the five issues referred to the panel.
The panel reportedly found that Prof. Odinye contravened Section 5.8.3 of the university’s General and Academic Regulations by failing to properly document and submit an examination misconduct case involving a student, Chikamso Okechukwu, on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.
The panel also found that he returned a mobile phone recovered from the student during an examination to the student on the same day, allegedly contrary to the university’s regulations.
The remaining issues before the panel include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, the identities of persons allegedly involved in the assault against Prof. Odinye, and whether there was an incident of kidnapping.
The university said the investigative panel’s tenure had been extended by another two weeks to enable it to complete its assignment and make recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor.
Meanwhile, the student involved in the incident has been referred to the university’s Examination Misconduct Committee for further consideration.
The university said the panel is expected to submit its final findings and recommendations before any final disciplinary decision is taken, including possible criminal prosecution where appropriate.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the administration’s commitment to staff and student welfare, transparency, fair hearing and zero tolerance for unethical practices.
How realistic is the claim?
Based strictly on the university’s statement, it would be misleading to report that UNIZIK suspended the lecturer “for sexual misconduct” as though the allegation had already been established.
The more accurate position is that the lecturer was suspended amid an ongoing investigation into allegations that include sexual harassment, while the preliminary panel has already found violations relating to examination procedures.
The final outcome on the sexual harassment allegation is still pending.
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