The University of Calabar has suspended Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, over allegations of sexual harassment. The suspension, effective from August 17, 2023, comes after an investigation by the university’s management into allegations of sexual harassment raised by female students of the faculty.
The allegations were accompanied by a protest where students of the faculty presented placards with inscriptions denouncing Ndifon and calling for his removal. The students accused him of inappropriate behavior and failure to fulfill his teaching obligations.
Prof. Ndifon denied the allegations, attributing the protest to personal vendettas held by individuals within the faculty.
In a letter from the school registrar, Gabriel Egbe, the university’s management expressed dissatisfaction with Ndifon’s response to the query served on him. As a result, the Vice Chancellor directed his suspension and removal from the position of Dean. A panel will be set up to investigate the allegations further.
The suspension reflects the university’s commitment to addressing issues of sexual harassment and maintaining a safe environment for its students. It also underscores the importance of conducting thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct within academic institutions.