UNIZIK Extends Probe Into Alleged Sexual Harassment Involving Professor

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, has suspended Professor Ifeanyi Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for three months over allegations of sexual molestation involving a female student. The suspension, approved by Vice Chancellor Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie, will be with half salary in the first instance and followed the preliminary findings of a six-member investigative panel. The university said the panel’s report, submitted on August 21, found that Odinye violated provisions of the institution’s General and Academic Regulations in his handling of an examination misconduct case involving the student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu. The lecturer was accused of failing to properly document and submit the case and of returning a phone recovered during the examination to the student, contrary to university regulations. Okechukwu has subsequently been referred to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee.

The development followed an incident on August 15, when Odinye was allegedly assaulted by students after accusations of sexual misconduct emerged. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media. According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Aloysius Attah, the investigative panel has been given an additional two weeks to complete its work and address the remaining issues in its terms of reference. These include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the assault on the professor and establishing whether any kidnapping incident occurred. Attah said the panel would submit its final findings and recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final decision is taken, including possible criminal prosecution where necessary. The university said its administration remains committed to staff and student welfare, fair hearing, transparency and zero tolerance for unethical conduct.

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