Sexual Harassment: UNICAL bars dean of law from campus

University of Calabar dean of law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon accused of sexual assault has been suspended for “ alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution.”

The notice of suspension conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe takes effect from August 17, 2023.”

The suspension came on the heels of the Dean’s response to a query earlier issued to him by the University Management.

Dissatisfied with his response, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Banku Obi relieved him of his position as Dean and placed him on suspension while the matter is being referred to a panel that will be set-up to investigate the allegations levelled against him.

Recall that students of the University’s Faculty of Law held a protest where they alleged that Ndifon had been sexually harassing them.

Ndifon has been in the middle of widespread allegations of sexual harassment dating back to at least 2015 when he allegedly raped a 20-year-old Law student in his office.

The university Vice Chancellor, Prof. Obi had told City Lawyer that the administration would act on the allegations after Ndifon’s response to the query issued to him.

Parts of the letter reads ; ” 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”