Law

UNICAL Dean Suspended Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

Published

9 months ago

August 18, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

UNICAL Dean Suspended Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) administration has taken decisive action by suspending Cyril Ndifon, the dean of the faculty of law, in response to allegations of sexual harassment. On Thursday, the suspension was formalized through a letter signed by Gabriel Egbe, the university’s registrar.

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Earlier this week, a group of female students, spearheaded by Benedict Otu, the president of the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), organized a protest demanding the removal of Ndifon from his position.

The students donned white shirts and black skirts, chanted slogans urging Ndifon’s departure and carried placards bearing impactful messages. Some of the sayings included: “Ndifon, go! go!”, “Enough of law school list manipulation”, and “Professor Ndifon must go for our sanity.”

UNICAL Dean Suspended Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

The university authorities promptly initiated an investigation into the allegations on Wednesday, responding to the concerns raised by the protesting students.

The suspension of Ndifon is pending a comprehensive investigation into the accusations, and it is set to be effective from August 17, 2023. The university’s letter, referring to previous correspondences, cited Ndifon’s alleged violation of the institution’s regulations and policies. The suspension decision is tied to Ndifon’s handling of a query issued by the university’s management.

Per the suspension directives, Ndifon must transfer all university property under his possession and relinquish his official responsibilities before vacating his office. Moreover, he is instructed to abstain from the university premises unless summoned by the investigative panel overseeing the case.