The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has approved the three-month suspension of a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, following the submission of an interim report by a Special Investigative Panel probing allegations of kidnapping, assault and examination misconduct involving staff and students of the university.
The suspension, which takes effect with half salary, was approved by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, based on the recommendations contained in the preliminary report of the six-member investigative panel.
The panel, chaired by the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, submitted its interim report to the university management on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The investigation arose from an incident involving Prof. Odinye and a student of the Department of Chinese Studies, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu. The matter has generated concern within the university community because of allegations bordering on examination misconduct, assault, sexual harassment and kidnapping.
In its preliminary report, the investigative panel considered two of the five issues contained in its terms of reference and made findings concerning the handling of an alleged examination misconduct case involving Okechukwu.
Based on the panel’s findings, the university management approved the suspension of Prof. Odinye for three months in the first instance and on half salary.
The panel reportedly found that the lecturer contravened provisions of the university’s General and Academic Regulations (GAR) in the manner in which he handled the examination misconduct case.
According to the interim report, Prof. Odinye allegedly failed to document and submit the examination misconduct case involving Okechukwu using the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.
The panel further found that an offending mobile phone allegedly recovered during the examination was returned to the student on the same day.
The action was said to be contrary to Section 5.8.1(iv) of the university’s General and Academic Regulations, while the failure to formally record and submit the case was said to contravene Section 5.8.3 of the regulations.
The university management subsequently directed that Okechukwu be referred to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for appropriate consideration of the allegation against her.
The referral means that the student will now face the institution’s established disciplinary process concerning the examination misconduct allegation, with the relevant committee expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and make recommendations in accordance with university regulations.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigative Panel has been given an additional two weeks to complete its assignment.
The extension was approved by the Vice-Chancellor to enable the committee to address the remaining three issues contained in its terms of reference before submitting its final report and recommendations.
Among the outstanding issues is the question of whether sexual harassment occurred in connection with the incident.
The panel is also expected to establish the identities of persons allegedly involved in the assault on Prof. Odinye and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
Another key issue still before the panel is whether an actual incident of kidnapping occurred in the course of the events under investigation.
The university said the three issues would be thoroughly examined during the additional two-week period before the panel submits its final findings to the Vice-Chancellor.
The outcome of the investigation could determine whether further disciplinary or legal action will be taken against any of the individuals involved.
The university management noted that the panel’s interim report should not be regarded as the final determination of all the allegations, as the investigation remains ongoing.
It said the committee would conclude its work and submit comprehensive recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor before any final decision is taken, including the possibility of referring aspects of the matter for criminal prosecution where warranted by the findings.
The development underscores the university’s effort to address allegations involving members of its academic community through established institutional procedures.
The management also reaffirmed its commitment to due process, transparency and fair hearing for all parties involved in the matter.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, MNIPR, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that the welfare and safety of both staff and students remained a priority of his administration.
The administration also restated its zero-tolerance policy toward unethical conduct, particularly actions capable of undermining academic integrity and institutional standards.
The university emphasised that all parties involved would be given the opportunity to present their positions as the investigative process continues.
The final report of the Special Investigative Panel is therefore expected to provide further clarity on the wider allegations of sexual harassment, assault and kidnapping, as well as the circumstances surrounding the examination misconduct case.
Until the panel completes its assignment and the university reaches a final determination, the allegations that remain under investigation have not been conclusively established.
The management’s decision to suspend Prof. Odinye over the examination-related findings, while simultaneously referring the student to the appropriate examination misconduct committee, reflects its decision to subject both sides of the dispute to relevant institutional procedures.
The university is expected to announce further decisions after receiving the panel’s final report and recommendations at the end of the additional two-week period.
