NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY SUSPENDS LECTURER PENDING COMPLETION OF INVESTIGATION

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has approved the suspension of Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for an initial period of three months on half salary.

The suspension follows the recommendations of a six-member Special Investigative Panel, which submitted its preliminary report to the Vice-Chancellor on Friday, August 21, 2026.

STUDENT REFERRED TO EXAMINATION MISCONDUCT COMMITTEE

The University also disclosed that the student involved in the incident, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, has been referred to the Students' Examination Misconduct Committee in line with the directive of the Vice-Chancellor.

According to the institution, the committee will handle issues relating to the student's alleged examination misconduct in accordance with the University's regulations.

INVESTIGATIVE PANEL GIVEN TWO MORE WEEKS

The Vice-Chancellor has extended the tenure of the Special Investigative Panel by an additional two weeks to enable it to complete its assignment and address all five terms of reference assigned to it.

The panel is chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies.

PRELIMINARY REPORT CITES ALLEGED BREACH OF UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS

According to the University's statement, the panel's preliminary report addressed two of the five issues under investigation.

The report alleged that Prof. Odinye contravened Section 5.8.3 of the University's General and Academic Regulations (GAR) by failing to officially record and submit a case of alleged examination misconduct against the student using the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.

The panel also alleged that the lecturer returned a mobile phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day, an action it said was contrary to Section 5.8.1(iv) of the University's General and Academic Regulations.

THREE KEY ISSUES STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION

The University stated that the panel will use the extended two-week period to investigate the remaining three issues, namely:

• Whether any incident of sexual harassment occurred.
• The identities of persons allegedly involved in the assault on Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye.
• Whether there was any incident of kidnapping connected with the matter.

Upon completion of its investigation, the panel is expected to submit its final findings and recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor.

The University noted that a final decision on the matter, including any possible disciplinary measures or referral for criminal prosecution where necessary, will be based on the panel's complete report.

UNIVERSITY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FAIRNESS

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University's commitment to protecting the welfare of both staff and students while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unethical conduct.

He also stressed that the administration remains committed to upholding the principles of transparency, due process and fair hearing throughout the investigation.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University urged members of the University community and the public to allow the investigative process to run its course pending the submission of the panel's final report.