UNIZIK Sex Scandal Takes Fresh Turn as Probe Uncovers More Details
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has suspended Professor Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye for three months following an investigation into a controversial incident involving a female student.
Odinye, a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, will receive half salary throughout the suspension, according to the university’s management.
The decision followed a preliminary report submitted by a six-member investigative panel to Vice-Chancellor Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie.
The incident gained public attention after a video emerged showing suspected students stripping the lecturer over allegations involving a female student.
The student had reportedly been caught with a phone during an examination before the controversial incident occurred.
The university said the panel found Odinye culpable of violating regulations governing the handling of examination misconduct.
Investigators found that he failed to document the student’s alleged examination offence using the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.
He was also faulted for returning the phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day.
The university said both actions violated specific provisions of its General and Academic Regulations.
The student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, has consequently been referred to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further proceedings.
However, the panel has not yet reached a conclusion on the allegation that Odinye sexually harassed the student.
The university has extended the panel’s mandate by two weeks to investigate the remaining issues surrounding the incident.
The outstanding issues include the alleged sexual harassment, the identities of those who assaulted the lecturer and claims of kidnapping.
The panel is expected to submit its final findings and recommendations after completing the additional investigation.
The university said the final report could determine whether further disciplinary action or criminal prosecution would follow.
Management also reaffirmed its commitment to staff and student welfare, transparency, fair hearing and zero tolerance for unethical conduct.
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