Professor Ifeanyi Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies was suspended by the management of Nnamdi Azikwe University for a period of three months over alleged sexual molestation of a student, which , it said, violated the university’s General and Academic Regulations.
According to a report by Vanguard, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie approved the suspension of Prof Odinye with half salary in the first instance, following the recommendations of the six- man special investigative panel which submitted its preliminary report on 21st August
Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, is the student who unfortunately was harassed by the professor and was referred to student examination misconduct committee as directed by the vice chancellor.
Odinye was physically assaulted and stripped on 15 August by some angry students over an alleged attempt to sexually molest a female student of the university
In a viral video clip ,a female student was shown running out of the professor odinye office and shouting that the lecturer has attempted to rape her in the office
The embattled lecturer wore an academic academic gown at the time of the incident after the student left his office with his dress.
The viral video also showed some men hitting the lecturer, who was completely stripped within the university premises, while the female student, who was seen crying after running out of the lecturer’s office. She was said have pretended to agreed for a sexual encounter until the lecturer had removed his clothes, which she ran away with.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Aloysius Attah said in a statement that the Vice Chancellor has also extended the duration of the committee for another two weeks to enable the team complete its assignment and address in full, the five – point terms of reference.
According to him, the other three issues for determination by the committee are to be addressed within the two weeks. The issues to be determined are whether there was sexual harassment, identify the persons involved in the assault meted to Prof. 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 is initiated, including possible criminal prosecution”, the PRO said.
He added that the Vice Chancellor reiterated the stance of his administration’s prioritization of staff/ student’s welfare and zero tolerance to unethical practices, while upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing.