By Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie has approved the suspension of Prof. Ifeanyi Sunny Odinye, a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies for a period of three months with half salary over examination misconduct.
Prof Odinye followed a recommendations by the 6- man Special Investigative Panel who submitted their preliminary report last Friday.
Director, Information and Public Relations of the University, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah revealed this in a press statement made available to journalists.
Comrade Attah said that the Student involved in the unfortunate incident, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu has been referred to the student’s examination misconduct committee based on the report submitted to the VC.
“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 Panel, Chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, in their preliminary report which dealt on two issues out of the five for determination , indicted Prof Odinye for contravening Section 5.8.3 of the General and Academic Regulations (GAR) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University 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.
“Other three issues for determination by the committee which shall be addressed within the two weeks extended time frame included “whether there was sexual harassment, identities of 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 including possible criminal prosecution is initiated.” Attah said
Meanwhile the Vice Chancellor of Unizik has 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.
