UNN Suspends Lecturer For Impregnating Student, Police Investigate Alleged Crime

A senior lecturer at the Department of Archeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr Chigozie Odum, is currently cooling off in the custody of the Police Crack Squad, Enugu, for allegedly impregnating a student of the department.

The university authorities have also suspended him, and further placed him on half salary pending the completion of investigations into his matter by the police. Dr Odum was also alleged to have threatened the female student after luring her to his apartment.

The victim, name withheld, was said to have reported her ordeal to her family, who contacted their lawyer to take up the matter.

The lawyer consequently petitioned the Crack Squad of the Enugu State Police Command. Dr Odum had been whisked away to Enugu, a lecturer told THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity.

A letter, which announced the suspension of the lecturer and his being placed on half salary, dated February 15, 2021, was signed by the institution’s deputy registrar, Mrs Achiuwa F.C.

According to the petition, “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. You are hereby so 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 bursar is by a copy of this letter advised to place you on half salary pending final disposal action on your case.”

When contacted, the Enugu State police PRO, Mr Daniel Ndukwe, said he would respond after contacting the relevant unit of the police operatives.