By Kimberly Wilson
AWKA, Nigeria — Paul University, Awka, in Anambra State, has suspended an academic support staff member and Anglican priest, Ven. Cornelius C. Eze, over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student. The university has also launched an internal disciplinary process while law enforcement authorities investigate the matter.
The university announced that Ven. Eze, who serves as a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of both the institution's disciplinary proceedings and an ongoing police investigation. The suspension was confirmed in a statement dated July 17, 2026, signed by the university's Public Relations Officer, Rev. Godisplan Onukwufor.
According to the university, management became aware of the allegations on July 14 and immediately contacted security agencies after tensions reportedly rose among students following the incident. Officials said the intervention was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order on campus while ensuring that the allegations would be handled through the appropriate legal and institutional channels.
The development follows the circulation of a video on social media that allegedly shows a man identified as the suspended staff member fleeing from an office on campus wearing only boxer shorts. The footage has been widely shared online alongside claims that he was discovered in a compromising situation involving a student. However, the university did not verify the authenticity of the video or confirm the circumstances depicted in it, and the allegations remain under investigation.
The case also appears to resolve earlier confusion involving Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). Before Paul University issued its statement, UNIZIK had publicly denied claims circulating on social media that either the staff member or the student involved was affiliated with its institution. Paul University later confirmed that the accused individual is indeed one of its employees.
In its statement, Paul University emphasized that the suspension is an administrative measure and should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt. The institution stressed that due process will be followed throughout both the internal disciplinary proceedings and the police investigation.
The faith-based university reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards, stating that it has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse of office, immoral behaviour, or any conduct capable of endangering the safety, dignity, or welfare of students and staff. University management said any individual found culpable after due process would face disciplinary action in accordance with institutional regulations and Nigerian law.
Recognizing the potential emotional impact of the incident, the university also announced that counselling and psychological support would be made available to the affected student or students, as well as other members of the university community who may require assistance.
University officials urged members of the public to avoid speculation and refrain from spreading unverified information that could interfere with the ongoing investigations. They assured parents, students, guardians, and staff that every effort is being made to preserve a safe, secure, and respectful learning environment while allowing investigators to complete their work.
The police investigation and the university's internal disciplinary process are continuing, and no criminal findings or disciplinary conclusions have been announced at this stage. Paul University said additional information will be released as the investigations progress and when it is appropriate to do so.