The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, for three months over an alleged breach of the institution’s regulations.
Odinye will receive half of his salary throughout the suspension period, according to the university.
The development followed a viral video showing an incident involving the lecturer and a female student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu. The incident occurred amid allegations that Odinye attempted to take advantage of the student after reportedly catching her engaging in examination malpractice.
The lecturer was subsequently reportedly stripped by suspected students in connection with the incident.
In response, the university constituted a six-member Special Investigative Panel on Friday, August 21, 2026, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued on Monday, the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, said the panel’s preliminary report considered two of the five issues contained in its terms of reference.
The panel established that Odinye returned to Okechukwu, on the same day, a mobile phone allegedly recovered from her during the examination.
The panel found the lecturer’s action to be contrary to the university’s General and Academic Regulations. Based on the finding, the Vice-Chancellor approved his three-month suspension with half salary.
However, the panel did not reach a conclusion on the sexual harassment allegation against the lecturer.
According to the university, further investigation is required to establish the facts surrounding the allegation.
The remaining issues before the panel include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the assault on Odinye and establishing whether any kidnapping took place during the incident.
The university has therefore extended the panel’s assignment by another two weeks to enable it to complete its investigation and address all five issues in its terms of reference.
Meanwhile, Okechukwu has been referred to the university’s Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee on the directive of the Vice-Chancellor.
The university said the investigation into the broader incident remains ongoing.
