In a shocking development, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Cyril Ndifon, has been suspended by the institution’s management amid allegations of sexual harassment.
The decision, which was announced on Thursday, August 17, 2023, follows a letter from the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe.
The suspension comes in the wake of protests from several law students who accused Ndifon of engaging in acts of sexual harassment.
The students had taken to the UNICAL Vice-Chancellor’s office on Monday, August 14, 2023, to voice their concerns regarding the alleged misconduct by the dean.
They were armed with placards bearing messages such as “We are tired of sucking d..ks,” “Ndifon Must Go For Our Sanity,” and “Law Girls Are Not Your Bonanza, Prof Ndifon Should stop grabbing us,” demanding that the university address their grievances.
In response to the allegations, Ndifon vehemently denied any wrongdoing, attributing the protests to a political rivalry and personal vendetta.
He stated, “These allegations are baselessly masterminded by my detractor, who had vowed to ensure that my image is dragged to the mud just because I won the faculty elections twice.”
The University Registrar’s letter addressed Ndifon’s alleged violation of the institution’s laws and policies.
The Vice-Chancellor, after reviewing Ndifon’s response to the allegations, was dissatisfied with his explanations. Consequently, Ndifon was relieved of his position as Dean of the Faculty of Law and placed on suspension.
A panel will be established to investigate the allegations further.
Ndifon’s suspension in 2016 due to a similar incident was recalled. At that time, a 20-year-old 400-level student had accused him of sexual assault.
Ndifon’s suspension was meant to remain in effect until he was exonerated from the allegations.
He contested the suspension, arguing that it exceeded the three-month limit prescribed by the University of Calabar Act, LFN, 2004. However, his legal challenge was dismissed by Justice Eunice Agbakoba.
As this case unfolds, UNICAL faces a challenging situation as it navigates the allegations against one of its senior faculty members.
The institution must ensure a fair investigation while also addressing the concerns of the students who have spoken out against the alleged misconduct.
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