The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended a professor, Ifeanyi Odinye, for three months over allegations linked to the alleged sexual molestation of a female student.
The suspension, approved by the Vice Chancellor, Ugochukwu Anyaehie, will be with half salary, following the preliminary findings of a six-member investigative panel.
Panel finds professor culpable of examination breaches
The university said the preliminary report found Odinye culpable of violating its regulations in his handling of an examination misconduct case involving the student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu.
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According to the institution, the professor failed to properly document the examination misconduct case and returned a phone recovered during the examination to the student.
Investigation into sexual allegation continues
However, UNIZIK stressed that the panel has not yet reached a final conclusion on the sexual molestation allegation.
The university has extended the panel’s mandate by two weeks to determine whether sexual harassment occurred, investigate the assault on Odinye by students and establish whether kidnapping was involved.
Professor was stripped during August 15 incident
The development followed an August 15 incident in which Odinye was allegedly assaulted and stripped by students after the female student reportedly emerged from his office carrying his clothes and accused him of attempting to sexually assault her.
A video of the incident subsequently circulated online.
The university said the student has also been referred to its examination misconduct committee.
Final decision may lead to prosecution
The investigative panel is expected to submit its final findings and recommendations to the Vice Chancellor within two weeks.
The university said its administration remains committed to fair hearing and transparency, while maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on unethical conduct.
The allegations of sexual assault remain unproven pending the conclusion of the investigation.
