Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, for three months over his handling of an examination malpractice case involving a female student.
The suspension, which comes with half salary, followed the preliminary findings of a six-man investigative panel established by the university after a confrontation involving the professor was captured in a video that later went viral.
UNIZIK Professor Suspended With Half Salary
The university approved Odinye’s suspension after the investigative panel submitted its preliminary report to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The panel found that the professor breached provisions of the university’s General and Academic Regulations by failing to properly report an examination misconduct case involving the student.
According to the preliminary findings, Odinye allegedly failed to complete and submit the required Examination Misconduct Report Form after the student was found with a phone during an examination.
The panel also found that the phone recovered during the examination was returned to the student on the same day, contrary to the university’s regulations.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Lecturer | Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye |
| Department | Chinese Studies |
| Institution | Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka |
| Suspension | Three months |
| Salary during suspension | Half salary |
| Reason for initial sanction | Handling of an examination misconduct case |
| Investigative panel | Six-member Special Investigative Panel |
| Panel chairman | Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma |
| Further investigation | Sexual harassment and other allegations |
Sexual Harassment Allegation Still Under Investigation
While the panel has reached a preliminary position on the examination misconduct issue, it has not yet made a final determination on the sexual harassment allegation surrounding the incident.
The university said the allegation requires further investigation before any conclusion can be reached.
The remaining issues before the panel include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the alleged assault against Prof. Odinye and establishing whether there was any kidnapping incident connected to the matter.
The university has therefore extended the panel’s assignment by another two weeks to allow investigators to complete their work.
Student Referred to Examination Misconduct Committee
The female student at the centre of the examination malpractice allegation, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, has also been referred to the university’s Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee.
The referral means the student’s alleged examination misconduct will be considered through the university’s established disciplinary process.
The development comes as the university continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the viral confrontation between the professor and individuals believed to be students.
Viral Video Sparked Investigation
The controversy gained widespread attention after a video showing Prof. Odinye being confronted and allegedly stripped by suspected students circulated online.
The incident was linked to claims that the professor had attempted to take advantage of a female student after reportedly catching her involved in examination malpractice.
However, the university has not yet reached a final finding on the sexual harassment allegation.
Instead, investigators are expected to establish what actually happened, determine the identities of those involved in the confrontation and examine all other outstanding issues before submitting their final recommendations.
Final Decision Could Follow After Investigation
The six-member panel, chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, is expected to complete its investigation within the additional two-week period.
Its final report will be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor, who will then determine the appropriate next steps.
The university also indicated that possible criminal prosecution could follow if the investigation establishes conduct that warrants such action.
For now, Prof. Odinye’s three-month suspension with half salary represents the university’s initial disciplinary action based on the examination misconduct findings. The separate sexual harassment allegation remains unresolved pending the completion of the investigation.
The university said its administration remains committed to staff and student welfare, transparency, fair hearing and zero tolerance for unethical practices.
