UNIZIK Suspends Professor Ifeanyi Odinye for Three Months as Sexual Harassment Probe Continues

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has suspended Professor Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for three months following the preliminary findings of a six-member investigative panel set up to examine a controversial incident involving the lecturer and a female student.

The suspension, approved by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, comes with half salary and follows the submission of the panel’s preliminary report on August 21, 2026.

According to the university, the panel found that Prof. Odinye breached sections of its General and Academic Regulations in his handling of an examination misconduct case involving the student at the centre of the controversy.

The panel reportedly found that the examination misconduct case was not recorded and submitted through the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form. It also found that a mobile phone recovered during the examination was returned to the student on the same day, contrary to the university’s regulations.

However, the university made clear that the three-month suspension does not represent a final determination on the sexual harassment allegation that triggered widespread public attention.

The investigative panel was given five issues to examine but addressed only two in its preliminary report. The remaining issues include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the physical assault of Prof. Odinye and establishing whether any kidnapping incident occurred.

The university has therefore extended the panel’s assignment by another two weeks to enable it to complete its investigation and submit its final recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor.

The student involved in the examination misconduct case, identified as Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, has also been referred to the university’s Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further consideration.

The controversy began after videos circulated online showing Prof. Odinye being pursued and physically assaulted by individuals believed to be students following an allegation that he had attempted to sexually molest a female student. The university subsequently condemned the violence and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

UNIZIK said the panel is expected to conclude its work and make recommendations before a final decision is taken on the unresolved allegations. The university also stated that possible criminal prosecution could be considered depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare of both staff and students, while stressing the importance of transparency, fair hearing and zero tolerance for unethical practices.