UNN suspends lecturer for ‘impregnating student’

The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu state, has suspended Chigozie Odum, one of its lecturers accused of impregnating a student.

The institution broke the news in a letter dated February 15 and signed by Achiuwa F.C, its deputy registrar.

Chinyere Onah, a female student, had accused Odum, a senior lecturer in the department of archeology and tourism, of forcefully having sexual intercourse with her.

The student had also alleged that the senior lecturer threatened her that he was a cultist.

The Enugu state police command had earlier arrested the lecturer in Nsukka following a petition by Onah’s family on February 12.

According to the institution, the suspension remains effective pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation by its committee constituted to address the case.

“Following the accusation of sexual harassment made against you by a female student in the Department of Archeology and Tourism, the Vice-Chancellor has directed that you be suspended from duty immediately,” it read.

“You are hereby suspended from duty with immediate effect. You should stay away from your duty post until the final determination of the allegation against you. You should handover any University property in your custody to the Head of Department of Archaeology and Tourism.”

The institution added that it has directed its bursary department to place the lecturer on half salary until a final decision is taken over the matter.

“The Bursar is by a copy of this letter advised to place you on half salary pending final disposal action on your case,” it added.

Okun Omeaku, the varsity’s public relations officer, also confirmed the suspension of the lecturer.

He, however, dismissed claims that the institution refused to act earlier on the petition by the student until the lecturer was arrested.

“Yes the suspension letter emanated from the management of the school. The school had earlier set up a committee even before the matter was made public,” he said.

“It is not true that the University refused to act on the petition. A case has been established against him and the only way to instill discipline is to suspend him and continue with further investigations.”