Extends probe into kidnapping allegation

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 his handling of an alleged examination misconduct involving a student.

According to a statement signed by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, the suspension, which is on half salary in the first instance, followed the preliminary report of a six-member Special Investigative Panel set up by the university to examine allegations of kidnapping, assault and examination misconduct involving staff and students of the department.

The panel, chaired by the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof Emmanuel Obidimma, submitted its preliminary report to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Based on the panel’s recommendations, the Vice Chancellor also directed that the student involved in the incident, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, be referred to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further action.

The panel’s preliminary report, which focused on two of its five terms of reference, found Prof Odinye to have contravened provisions of the university’s General and Academic Regulations (GAR) relating to the handling of examination misconduct.

According to the report, the lecturer failed to record and submit the alleged examination misconduct involving Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form.

The panel also faulted him for returning to the student, on the same day, a mobile phone allegedly recovered from her during the examination.

The panel said the action was contrary to Section 5.8.1(iv) of the university’s General and Academic Regulations, while the failure to properly document the alleged examination misconduct breached Section 5.8.3 of the regulations.

However, the investigation is not yet concluded.

The Vice Chancellor has extended the panel’s tenure by another two weeks to enable it complete its remaining terms of reference and make comprehensive recommendations.

Among the outstanding issues are allegations of sexual harassment, the identities of those who allegedly assaulted Prof Odinye, and whether an actual kidnapping incident occurred in connection with the matter.

The panel is expected to submit its final findings and recommendations to the Vice Chancellor at the end of the extended period.

The university said further disciplinary action, including possible criminal prosecution, could follow, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Reiterating his administration’s position, Anyaehie said the university remained committed to prioritising the welfare of both staff and students while maintaining zero tolerance for unethical conduct.

He also stressed the importance of transparency and fair hearing in resolving the allegations.