Citypost News Desk
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 interim report of a Special Investigative Panel set up to investigate allegations of kidnapping, assault and examination misconduct involving staff and students.
The suspension, which is with half salary in the first instance, was approved by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyachie, following recommendations contained in the preliminary report of the six-member investigative panel submitted on Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to a press release issued on Monday by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, the panel, chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, considered two of the five issues contained in its terms of reference in its preliminary report.
The panel reportedly indicted Prof. Odinye for contravening Section 5.8.3 of the university’s General and Academic Regulations (GAR).
It said the lecturer failed to properly record and submit an alleged examination misconduct case involving a student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, using the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.
The panel also alleged that Prof. Odinye returned to the student on the same day a phone recovered during the examination, contrary to Section 5.8.1(iv) of the university’s regulations.
Meanwhile, the university management has referred Chikamso Favour Okechukwu to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.
The Vice Chancellor has also extended the investigative panel’s mandate by two weeks to enable it complete its consideration of the remaining three issues contained in its terms of reference.
The outstanding issues include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying the persons allegedly involved in the assault on Prof. Odinye, and establishing whether there was any incident of kidnapping connected to the matter.
The university said the panel is expected to conclude its investigation and submit its findings and recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final decision is taken, including the possibility of criminal prosecution where warranted.
The Vice Chancellor, according to the statement, reiterated 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.
