The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended Professor Ifeanyi Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for three months following an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving a female student.
The suspension was approved after a six-member investigative panel submitted its preliminary report on August 21, 2026.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie, approved the decision and placed Odinye on half salary throughout the suspension.
The university said the action was based on alleged violations of its General and Academic Regulations.
However, the university said the investigation into the sexual assault allegation is still ongoing, as the panel was given additional time to examine the remaining aspects of the case.
The matter began on August 15 when Odinye was reportedly attacked and stripped by students following an allegation that he attempted to sexually assault a female student in his office.
A video of the incident later circulated on social media, showing a female student leaving the professor’s office with his clothes while appearing distressed.
The lecturer was later seen attempting to leave the university premises in a tricycle while some people pursued him.
According to the university, the panel has so far investigated two of the five issues listed in its terms of reference.
The panel, headed by Professor Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, found that Odinye breached university regulations in connection with an examination misconduct case involving the student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu.
The panel found that the professor failed to document and submit the examination misconduct case using the required report form.
It also found that a phone allegedly recovered from Okechukwu during the examination was returned to her on the same day, contrary to university regulations.
Following the findings, the university referred Okechukwu’s case to the Student Examination Misconduct Committee for further action.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Aloysius Attah, said the Vice Chancellor had extended the panel’s mandate by two weeks to enable it to complete its investigation into the remaining three issues.
The outstanding issues include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the attack on Odinye and establishing whether any kidnapping incident was connected to the matter.
The panel is expected to submit its final findings and recommendations to the Vice Chancellor after completing the additional investigation.
The university said any further action, including possible criminal proceedings, would be considered after the panel submits its report.
Management also said the investigation would be handled fairly while protecting the welfare of both staff and students.
The university added that it would continue to take appropriate action against conduct that violates its regulations and professional standards.
