Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has suspended Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye for three months with half pay after an investigation found that he mishandled an exam malpractice case involving a student.
The suspension comes days after a video showing students assaulting and stripping the lecturer went viral, turning what began as an examination misconduct case into a much wider controversy involving allegations of sexual harassment, student violence and questions about how universities handle sensitive complaints.
Why UNIZIK Suspended Prof. Odinye
The university’s six-member investigative panel found that Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye failed to follow the required procedure after allegedly catching Chikamso Favour Okechukwu with a phone during an examination.
According to the panel, Odinye did not complete and submit the required Examination Misconduct Report Form. He also returned the phone to the student on the same day, despite university rules requiring the device to be retained as evidence.
That procedural failure is what has led to the immediate suspension. It is important to note that the university has not yet reached a final conclusion on the separate sexual harassment allegation against the lecturer.
Sexual Harassment Allegation Still Being Investigated
The viral incident created a much bigger controversy after claims emerged that Odinye had attempted to sexually harass the student he allegedly caught cheating.
However, the university’s panel has deferred that part of the investigation because it says more evidence is needed. The committee has been given another two weeks to determine whether sexual harassment occurred, identify those involved in the assault against the lecturer and establish whether there was also an alleged kidnapping incident.
This means the three-month suspension should not be treated as a final finding that the sexual harassment allegation was proven.
Student Also Faces Examination Misconduct Probe
The university has also referred Chikamso Favour Okechukwu to its Examination Misconduct Committee.
This is significant because the investigation is now examining the conduct of both sides through separate processes. The lecturer has been sanctioned for failing to follow examination rules, while the student’s alleged examination misconduct will be considered by the appropriate committee.
UNIZIK says the wider investigation will continue before any final decision is made, including the possibility of criminal prosecution.
The case has therefore moved beyond the viral video. What happens next could become an important test of how Nigerian universities balance staff accountability, student discipline, sexual harassment complaints and due process.
