The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has approved the suspension of Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for three months with half salary.
The suspension is on the first instance and followed the submission of the preliminary report by a six-member Special Investigative Panel on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The lecturer was being investigated over a controversial case of alleged sexual abuse involving a student of the department.
The Vice Chancellor directed that the student involved in the incident, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, be referred to the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee for further action.
The university management said the decision was part of efforts to uphold discipline, integrity and zero tolerance for sexual misconduct within the institution.
According to a statement signed by the director of Information and public relations, Aloysius Emeka Attah, the Vice Chancellor has also extended the duration of the committee for another two weeks to enable the team complete their assignment and address in full, their five point terms of reference.
The six-member Special Investigative Panel, chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, addressed two of the five issues for determination in its preliminary report.
In the report submitted on Friday, August 21, 2026, the panel indicted Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for contravening Section 5.8(3) of the General and Academic Regulations, GAR, of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
He was found to have failed to record and submit the case of examination misconduct involving Chikamso Favour Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form. The panel also noted that he returned the phone recovered from the student during the examination to her on the same day, in violation of Section 5.8.1(iv) of the GAR.
The remaining three issues, which the panel said would be considered within a two-week extended timeframe, include whether there was sexual harassment, the identities of those involved in the assault on Prof. Odinye, and whether there was any incident of kidnapping in connection with the matter.
The committee members are expected to conclude their findings with recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final verdict including possible criminal prosecution is initiated.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated the stance of his administration’s priotisation of staff/ student’s welfare and zero tolerance to unethical practices while upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing.