The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, for three months over alleged sexual misconduct and violations of the institution’s General and Academic Regulations.

The suspension followed the preliminary findings of a six-member Special Investigative Panel set up by the university to examine the circumstances surrounding an incident involving the lecturer and a female student.

The controversy erupted after a video showing Odinye being physically assaulted by some students went viral. The lecturer was allegedly attacked over claims that he attempted to take advantage of a female student whom he had previously accused of examination malpractice.

In the video, the lecturer was stripped and severely beaten by the students.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Aloysius Attah, said Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, approved the three-month suspension based on recommendations contained in the preliminary report of the investigative panel.

The report, submitted last Friday, was chaired by the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma.

According to the university, the panel has so far addressed two of the five issues contained in its terms of reference.

The panel found Odinye to have contravened Section 5.8.3 of the university’s General and Academic Regulations by failing to document and submit the alleged examination misconduct involving Chikamso Favour Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.

It also found that the lecturer returned a mobile phone recovered from the student during the examination to her on the same day, contrary to Section 5.8.1(iv) of the regulations.

Meanwhile, the university has referred Okechukwu to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.

The university said the remaining three issues before the investigative panel include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the assault on Odinye and establishing whether there was any incident of kidnapping connected to the matter.

The panel has been given an additional two weeks to conclude its investigation and submit its final recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor.

The university said the final findings would guide further action, including possible criminal prosecution where appropriate.

The institution quoted the Vice-Chancellor as reiterating his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of staff and students, maintaining zero tolerance for unethical practices and upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing.

The university stressed that the ongoing investigation would determine the outstanding allegations before a final verdict is reached.