A lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, Prof Ifeanyi Odinye, has been suspended over alleged attempted sexual assault of a female student of the institution.
Penpushing reports that it would be recalled that the professor was physically assaulted and stripped on August 15, 2026 by some angry students over an alleged attempt to molest a female student sexually.
The spokesperson of the federal university in Anambra State, popularly known as UNIZIK Aloysius Attah in a statement explained that the lecturer violated the university’s General and Academic Regulations
Penpushing further reports that Attah said the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Ugochukwu Anyaehie, approved the suspension of the lecturer for a period of three months, with half salary, on the first instance.
The spokesman explained that the suspension followed the recommendations by a six-member Special Investigative Panel, which submitted its preliminary report on Friday, August 21, 2026, adding that the panel, chaired by the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Emmanuel Obidimma, investigated five allegations against Odinye but addressed only two issues.
Penpushing also reports that he stated that the panel report, said Odinye was indicted for contravening Section 5.8.3 of the General and Academic Regulations (GAR) of NUA “by failing to not only record and submit the case of examination misconduct against Chikamso Favour Okechukwu on the prescribed Examination Misconduct Report Form but also gave back the offending phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day in total disregard to section 5.8.1(iv) of the GAR.”
The spokesperson said Okechukwu, who was involved in the alleged examination misconduct, has been referred to the student’s examination misconduct committee in line with the directive of the institution’s vice-chancellor.
Penpushing reports that Okechukwu was also the student at the centre of an attempted sexual molestation allegation against the lecturer, which resulted in the stripping and assault of the academic.
The spokesperson of the institution said the university management has now mandated the committee to determine within two weeks three other issues against the lecturer, including whether there was sexual harassment, identities of the persons involved in the assault meted out to Odinye and whether there was any incident of kidnapping in 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,” Attah said.
Penpushing further reports that he said the vice-chancellor has reiterated that his administration remains committed to prioritising staff and student welfare and to a zero-tolerance stance on “unethical practices” while upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing.
The video clip circulated on social media it would be recalled showed the female student coming out of the lecturer’s office with his clothes, claiming that the lecturer attempted to assault her in the office sexually.
Penpushing also reports that in the clip, the student was heard shouting that the lecturer had attempted to rape her, prompting some unidentified men – believed to be students- to pursue the academic who had boarded a tricycle and exited the premises.
The academic wore only his academic gown at the time, apparently after the student had left with his dress, while the clip later showed at least six men hitting and stomping on the lecturer, who was completely stripped within the university premises.
Penpushing reports that the female student, who was seen crying after reportedly running out of the lecturer’s office, was said to have pretended to be ready for the sexual encounter until the academic had removed most of his clothes.
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