The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended a professor in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye, for three months over an alleged sexual molestation incident involving a female student.
The suspension, which is with half salary, was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, following the preliminary findings of a six-member special investigative panel constituted to examine the incident.
The university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Aloysius Attah, disclosed this in a statement, saying the panel submitted its preliminary report on August 21, 2026.
According to the university, the alleged conduct amounted to a violation of its General and Academic Regulations.
Viral video sparks investigation
The development followed a dramatic incident on August 15, when Odinye was physically assaulted and stripped by some students after allegations emerged that he had attempted to sexually molest a female student in his office.
A video of the incident subsequently went viral on social media. In the footage, a female student was seen emerging from the professor’s office with his clothes and alleging that he had attempted to sexually assault her.
Some individuals believed to be students were later seen pursuing the lecturer as he left the university premises in a tricycle. He was subsequently attacked and stripped by some individuals within the university.
The university subsequently commenced an investigation to establish what transpired.
Professor indicted over examination regulations
While the investigation into the sexual-molestation allegation remains inconclusive, the panel’s preliminary report found the professor culpable of violations relating to an examination-misconduct case involving the student, identified as Chikamso Favour Okechukwu.
The panel, chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, reportedly found that Odinye failed to record and submit the examination-misconduct case on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.
It also found that he returned to the student, on the same day, a mobile phone allegedly recovered from her during the examination.
The university said the actions contravened Sections 5.8.3 and 5.8.1(iv) of its General and Academic Regulations respectively.
The Vice-Chancellor has consequently directed that the student be referred to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for appropriate consideration.
Sexual assault allegation still under investigation
The university stressed that the panel’s preliminary findings did not amount to a final determination of the sexual-molestation allegation.
Only two of the five issues contained in the panel’s terms of reference have so far been addressed.
The remaining issues include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those responsible for the assault on Odinye and establishing whether any kidnapping incident was connected to the matter.
The Vice-Chancellor has granted the panel an additional two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its final findings and recommendations.
According to the university, the recommendations could inform further disciplinary action and, where appropriate, possible criminal prosecution.
The management said the extension was intended to ensure that all aspects of the controversy were thoroughly investigated before a final decision is reached.
Anyaehie reaffirmed the university’s commitment to staff and student welfare, transparency, due process and fair hearing.
The university also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards unethical conduct, while emphasising that the ongoing investigation must be allowed to run its course before definitive conclusions are drawn on the outstanding allegations.
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