The management of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, has placed a member of its academic staff, Venerable Eze, on indefinite suspension over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student, while investigations by the institution and law enforcement authorities are underway.
The suspension follows the circulation of a video on social media purportedly showing the staff member, dressed only in boxer shorts, allegedly fleeing from his office after the reported incident.
The authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding it are expected to form part of the ongoing investigations.
Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, was suspended as a precautionary administrative measure pending the outcome of the university’s internal disciplinary process and investigations by the appropriate security agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Rev. Godisplan Onukwufor, confirmed that the institution had commenced investigations into what it described as allegations of serious misconduct involving the staff member.
According to the statement, the allegations were brought to the attention of the university management on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, prompting an immediate response by the institution.
“The management of Paul University, Awka, wishes to inform the general public that it is currently investigating allegations of serious misconduct involving a member of staff, Venerable Cornelius Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences,” the statement read.
The university disclosed that upon receiving the complaint, it immediately invited the relevant security agency to take over the matter in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order, as tensions reportedly escalated among students following the incident.
It explained that the decision to suspend the staff member was taken without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
“As a preliminary administrative measure and without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing investigations, the university management has placed the staff on indefinite suspension, pending the conclusion of both the internal disciplinary process and any investigation being conducted by the appropriate law enforcement authorities,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its core values, the Anglican Church-owned institution stressed that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment, abuse of office and all forms of misconduct capable of endangering members of its community.
“Paul University is a faith-based institution founded on the principles of integrity, discipline, moral uprightness and respect for the dignity of humanity.
“The university wishes to state unequivocally that it does not condone sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, immoral behaviour, abuse of office, or any conduct capable of endangering the safety, dignity or welfare of students and staff.
“Any member of staff or student found culpable of violating the university’s regulations or the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be dealt with in accordance with due process.”
The management also acknowledged the emotional and psychological impact the incident may have had on those directly or indirectly affected, stating that arrangements were being made to provide counselling and therapeutic support for the affected students and other members of the university community where necessary.
It urged members of the public to avoid speculation, misinformation and actions that could prejudice the ongoing investigations, assuring parents, guardians, students and staff of its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and morally sound learning environment.
The university added that further updates would be provided as investigations progress and when it becomes appropriate to disclose additional information.