Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, has suspended an Anglican priest and member of its academic support staff, Venerable Cornelius C. Eze, over allegations of sexual misconduct, as the institution launched an internal disciplinary process alongside a police investigation.
The university announced that Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of investigations by both the institution and relevant law enforcement agencies.
The suspension was disclosed in a statement dated July 17, 2026, and signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Rev. Godisplan Onukwufor.
According to the statement, the allegations were formally brought to the attention of the university management on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, prompting an immediate response.
The university said it swiftly invited the appropriate security agency to take over the matter after tensions reportedly escalated among students, raising concerns about a possible breakdown of law and order on campus.
It explained that the suspension was an administrative measure taken without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media, whose authenticity has not been independently verified, allegedly shows the suspended cleric dressed only in boxer shorts while apparently fleeing from his office amid a commotion on campus.
The footage has sparked widespread reactions online, with claims that the Anglican priest was attempting to escape after he was allegedly caught in a compromising situation by students and members of the university community.
However, the university declined to comment on the viral video or the specific allegations surrounding the incident, insisting that investigations were still underway.
Reaffirming its stance on professional ethics, the institution stressed that it operates a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, immoral conduct, abuse of office and any behaviour capable of endangering the safety, dignity or welfare of members of its community.
The management stated that any staff member or student found culpable of violating the university’s regulations or the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would face appropriate sanctions in line with due process.
The university also acknowledged the emotional and psychological impact the incident may have had on those involved, revealing that arrangements were being made to provide counselling and therapeutic support for the affected student(s) and other members of the university community.
While appealing to the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information capable of undermining the ongoing investigations, the university assured parents, guardians, students and staff of its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and morally sound learning environment.
It added that further updates would be provided as investigations progress and when it becomes appropriate to do so.
