Nnamdi Azikiwe University Suspends Lecturer Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has approved the suspension of Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, the lecturer involved in controversial sexual abuse with a student in the Department of Chinese Studies for a period of three months with half salary on the first instance.
This followed the recommendations of a six- man Special Investigative Panel who submitted their preliminary report on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The Student involved in the incident, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, according to the directive of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has been referred to the student’s examination misconduct committee
According to a press statement issued on Monday and signed by the institution’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, the Vice Chancellor has also extended the duration of the committee for another two weeks to enable the team complete their assignment and address in full, their five point terms of reference.
The Panel, Chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, in their preliminary report which dealt on two issues out of the five for determination , indicted Prof Odinye for contravening Section 5.8.(3 )of the General and Academic Regulations (GAR) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University by failing to not only record and submit the case of examination misconduct against Chikamso Favour Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form but also gave back the offending phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day in total disregard to section 5.8.1(iv) of the GAR.
Other three issues for determination by the committee which shall be addressed within the two weeks extended time frame included “whether there was sexual harassment, identities of the persons involved in the assault meted to Prof. Odinye and whether there was any incident of kidnapping in the matter”.
The committee members are expected to conclude their findings with recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final verdict including possible criminal prosecution is initiated.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated the stance of his administration’s priotisation of staff/ student’s welfare and zero tolerance to unethical practices while upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing
