UNICAL suspends Law Faculty Dean Prof Ndifon over sexual harassment allegations

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, was suspended by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for allegedly breaking the institution's existing regulations and policies. 

According to a letter from the university's registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, the suspension will begin on August 17, 2023.

The Dean's reaction to a question posed to him by university authorities earlier that day, with which the Vice Chancellor was dissatisfied, led to the suspension order.

The Vice-Chancellor relieved Ndifon of his duties as Dean of the Law Faculty, as stated in the letter of suspension, while emphasising that Ndifon remained suspended pending the results of an investigation by a panel that will be established to determine whether or not the accusations made against him were true.

“Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC.45A dated August 14, 2023, on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University and your response to the said letter which was dated 16th August 2023.

“The Vice-Chancellor has gone through your written representations and is not satisfied with your explanations.

“She has therefore directed that you should be relieved of your position as Dean, Faculty of Law and placed on suspension while the matter is referred to a panel that will be set up to investigate these allegations.

“The relief of position as Dean, Faculty of Law and suspension from official duties takes effect from August 17, 2023.

“You are to hand over all University property in your possession including all official responsibilities presently handled by you to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty before vacating office.

“You are to stay away from the University premises except while responding to invitation from the panel investigating these allegations,” the suspension letter stated.

According to LEADERSHIP, female law students organised a protest on Monday on the grounds of the university, accusing Prof. Ndifon of sexual harassment among other things.

Source