The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, for three months over findings linked to an examination misconduct case involving a student.
The university said the suspension, which carries half salary, followed the submission of an interim report by a six-member investigative panel constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding a recent incident involving the lecturer and a female student.
The controversy attracted public attention after a video showing Odinye being assaulted by some individuals, reportedly students, circulated widely on social media.
According to the university, the panel has so far established that the lecturer breached provisions of its General and Academic Regulations in his handling of an alleged examination malpractice case.
The panel, chaired by the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, submitted its preliminary findings to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Friday, August 21.
In a statement issued on Monday by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Aloysius Emeka Attah, the institution said the interim report examined two of the five matters assigned to the panel.
The university said Odinye was found to have failed to properly document an examination misconduct allegation involving the student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu.
It also accused him of returning a mobile phone allegedly recovered from the student during the examination, rather than following the prescribed procedure for handling examination malpractice cases.
The university said these actions amounted to a violation of Sections 5.8.3 and 5.8.1(iv) of its General and Academic Regulations.
Following the findings, the Vice-Chancellor approved Odinye’s three-month suspension, with the lecturer receiving half of his salary during the period.
The student involved has also been referred to the university’s Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further consideration of the alleged malpractice.
Sexual Harassment Allegation Still Under Investigation
Despite the panel’s findings on the examination misconduct issue, UNIZIK said it has not reached a conclusion on the separate allegation of sexual harassment involving Odinye.
The university explained that more investigation was required before determining what transpired in relation to the allegation.
The remaining areas of investigation include whether sexual harassment occurred, the identities of those allegedly involved in the assault on the lecturer, and whether there was any kidnapping incident connected to the matter.
The university has consequently extended the panel’s mandate by another two weeks to enable it to complete its investigation and submit a comprehensive report.
The final recommendations will be forwarded to the Vice-Chancellor, who will then determine the appropriate next steps, including the possibility of further disciplinary action or criminal prosecution where necessary.
The university stressed that the current suspension should be viewed within the context of the panel’s preliminary findings, with the other allegations still subject to investigation.
The Vice-Chancellor, according to the statement, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare of both staff and students while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unethical conduct.
The university also said the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the principles of transparency and fair hearing.