The university management suspends the embattled lecturer while extending the ongoing sexual harassment investigation
Nnamdi Azikiwe University suspended Professor Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye for three months with half pay on August 24, 2026. The management punished the lecturer for returning an exam malpractice device. Authorities extended the sexual harassment probe following his viral public assault in Awka.
The recent assault video involving a university lecturer shocked students across Nigeria. Nnamdi Azikiwe University management finally took decisive action on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Authorities suspended Professor Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye for three months. The Chinese Studies lecturer will receive half his regular salary. This penalty follows early findings from a special investigative panel.
The Exam Malpractice Connection
The incident began when suspected students stripped the professor naked. They attacked him after he allegedly attempted to exploit Chikamso Favour Okechukwu.
The lecturer had previously caught the female student cheating during an examination. He confiscated her mobile phone at the time. However, the six-member panel discovered a major rule violation.
Professor Odinye returned the seized device to the student that same day. This specific action directly breached the established academic regulations of the university.
Extended Harassment Investigation
The university formally constituted the probe panel on Friday, August 21, 2026. Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah released the preliminary report findings. He serves as the Director of Information and Public Relations.
The Vice-Chancellor immediately approved the swift suspension based on the confiscated phone error. Investigators deferred their final ruling on the main sexual harassment claim.
The committee requires more time to uncover the complete truth. They must identify the specific individuals who assaulted the professor. They will also determine if any kidnaping occurred during the chaos.
Disciplinary Actions Continue
Officials extended the ongoing investigation by an additional two weeks. This extra time allows the panel to resolve all five terms of reference.
Meanwhile, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu faces her own academic trial. The Vice-Chancellor referred her case to the examination misconduct committee. Both parties now await the final verdict from the institution.
