Anambra varsity suspends priest over sexual misconduct allegations

n n

The management of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, has suspended a member of its academic support staff and commenced investigations into allegations of serious sexual misconduct involving the employee and a female student.

n

The affected staff member, Ven. Cornelius Eze, an Anglican priest and Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, was placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of the university’s internal disciplinary process and investigations by relevant law enforcement agencies.

n

The suspension was announced in a press release dated July 17, 2026, and signed by the faith-based university’s Public Relations Officer, Rev. Godsplan Onukwufor.

n

A video that has circulated widely on social media since Wednesday purportedly shows a lecturer engaged in inappropriate conduct with a female student on a university campus.

n

In the footage, some students are seen forcing their way into an office in an apparent attempt to apprehend the lecturer, who then jumps out of a window and runs away.

n

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified. It allegedly shows the suspended staff member dressed only in boxer shorts and fleeing from his office on campus amid a commotion.

n

The video has been widely shared on social media alongside claims that the lecturer was attempting to escape after being caught in a compromising situation by students and members of the university community.

n

However, the university’s statement did not comment on the video or the specific circumstances surrounding it.

n

According to the institution, the allegations were brought to the attention of the university management on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

n

It stated that management immediately intervened and invited the appropriate security agency to take over the matter to forestall a breakdown of law and order following tensions that reportedly arose among students.

n

The university said the suspension was a preliminary administrative measure taken without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing investigations.

n

The statement read: “The Management of Paul University, Awka, wishes to inform the University community and the general public that it is currently investigating allegations of serious sexual misconduct involving a member of staff, Ven. Cornelius C. Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.

n

“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.

n

“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.

n

“Paul University is a faith-based institution founded on the principles of integrity, discipline, moral uprightness and respect for the dignity of humanity.

n

“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.

n

“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 University is equally mindful of the emotional and psychological impact such allegations may have on those involved, and efforts are being made to provide appropriate counselling and therapeutic support for the student concerned and any other affected members of the University community.”

n

The university urged the public to refrain from speculation, misinformation or any actions capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigations. It also assured parents, guardians, students and staff of its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and morally sound learning environment.

n

The institution added that further information would be communicated as investigations progress and when it is appropriate to do so.

n n