Faith-based institution launches internal probe and refers case to security agencies after allegations involving a female student
Paul University, Awka, on Friday announced the indefinite suspension of Ven. Cornelius Chukwuemeka Eze, an Anglican priest and Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, following a Paul University Misconduct Allegation involving a female student.
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The faith-based institution said the suspension is a precautionary administrative measure pending the outcome of its internal disciplinary process and investigations by relevant law enforcement agencies into allegations of serious sexual misconduct.
The decision was conveyed in a statement dated July 17, 2026, signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Rev. Godsplan Onukwufor.
According to the statement, the allegations were formally brought to the attention of the university management on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, prompting immediate intervention to prevent tensions on campus from escalating.
Management said it invited the appropriate security agency to take over the matter after reports indicated that emotions were running high among students following the incident.
“The allegations were brought to the attention of the University Management on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. In line with its duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the University community, Management immediately intervened and invited the relevant security agency to take over the matter to forestall a breakdown of law and order, as tensions had risen among students following the incident,” the statement said.
The university stressed that the suspension does not amount to a finding of guilt but is intended to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.
“As a preliminary administrative measure and without prejudice to the outcome of ongoing investigations, the University Management has placed the staff member on indefinite suspension pending the conclusion of both the internal disciplinary process and any investigation being conducted by the appropriate law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.
The development follows the circulation of a video on social media since Wednesday, which users have claimed shows a lecturer fleeing from an office on campus after being confronted by students.
The footage, which has been widely shared online, appears to show several students forcing their way into an office before a man, dressed only in boxer shorts, jumps through a window and runs away amid the commotion.
However, the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and Paul University did not refer to the footage or confirm the circumstances depicted in it.
Instead, the institution limited its statement to confirming that allegations involving the suspended staff member are under investigation and urged the public to avoid speculation while the process runs its course.
Reaffirming its values, the university said it maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse of office and any conduct capable of undermining the safety or dignity of 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,” the statement read.
The institution further stated that any staff member or student found to have violated its regulations or Nigerian law would face appropriate sanctions in line with due process.
It also disclosed that counselling and therapeutic support are being arranged for the student at the centre of the allegation, as well as any other members of the university community affected by the incident.
The university appealed to parents, students and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information or taking actions that could prejudice the investigations.
The case comes amid growing national attention on allegations of sexual misconduct in tertiary institutions, with universities increasingly strengthening safeguarding policies, disciplinary procedures and reporting mechanisms aimed at protecting students while ensuring that allegations are investigated fairly and in accordance with established legal and institutional processes.
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Paul University said further updates would be provided as investigations progress and when it is appropriate to do so.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
