Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka has placed Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies on a three-month suspension with half pay, following a preliminary report into a case involving a female student.
The decision was approved on Monday by Vice Chancellor Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie. According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Aloysius Attah, a six-member investigative panel submitted its preliminary findings on August 21.
The report found Odinye in breach of the university’s General and Academic Regulations in how he handled an examination misconduct case involving student Chikamso Favour Okechukwu. Specifically, the panel said he did not log the case on the required report form, and that he returned a phone recovered during the exam to the student the same day, both of which violate university rules.
The panel has not yet concluded its work on the sexual molestation allegation itself. The VC has extended the committee’s mandate by two more weeks to determine whether sexual harassment took place, to identify those who assaulted Odinye, and to establish if any kidnapping occurred during the incident.
“The committee members are expected to conclude their findings with recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final verdict is initiated, including possible criminal prosecution,” Attah said in the statement.
The suspension follows an incident on August 15. The university said Odinye was attacked and stripped by some students after a female student allegedly came out of his office holding his clothes and accused him of attempting to sexually assault her. A video of the lecturer being chased and later leaving campus in a tricycle made the rounds online. The university noted that no final decision has been made on the sexual assault claim.
Okechukwu has also been referred to the university’s examination misconduct committee, on the VC’s directive.
The administration said it remains committed to the welfare of staff and students, to transparency and fair hearing, and to a zero-tolerance stance on unethical conduct.
The panel is expected to wrap up its investigation within the new two-week window and submit final recommendations, after which the university will decide on any further disciplinary or legal steps.
