University of Calabar Dean Suspended and Banned Amid Allegations of Sexual Assault on Students
In a recent development at the University of Calabar, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, has been suspended and relieved of his position amidst allegations of sexual assault on female students. The decision came from the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, who expressed her dissatisfaction with Prof. Ndifon’s response to a query regarding the allegations.
The suspension notice, dated August 17, 2023, was conveyed to Prof. Ndifon through a letter signed by the university’s registrar, Gabriel Egbe. It stated that the suspension was due to his alleged violation of the institution’s laws and policies. This is not the first time Prof. Ndifon has faced such allegations, as he was previously suspended in 2015 over a similar incident.
The recent suspension follows a protest by female law students who were demanding the removal of Prof. Ndifon. Carrying placards with powerful messages such as We are tired of licking dicks for marks and Law Girls Are Not Bonanza, the students made their voices heard, highlighting their distressing experiences.
Prof. Ndifon, when interviewed by journalists, vehemently denied all the allegations, claiming that the protest was orchestrated by individuals within the faculty who were determined to tarnish his reputation. However, the Vice Chancellor found his explanations unsatisfactory, leading to his immediate suspension and restriction from entering the university campus unless invited by the panel to be constituted for further investigation.
The suspension takes effect immediately, and Prof. Ndifon is required to hand over all university property and official responsibilities to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty. Furthermore, he is instructed to stay away from the university premises unless summoned by the investigating panel.
These allegations and subsequent actions have sparked conversation and raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students at the University of Calabar. Experts emphasize the importance of treating such allegations seriously and conducting thorough investigations to ensure justice and protect the rights of the victims. There is a growing call for the implementation of stricter measures and policies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The University of Calabar has yet to release a detailed plan on how they will address these allegations, but it is expected that a robust investigation will take place to uncover the truth. The institution’s response and actions will determine whether justice will be served, and whether appropriate measures are in place to prevent further instances of sexual assault.
In conclusion, the suspension and banning of Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, amidst allegations of sexual assault on female students, has sent shockwaves through the institution. While Prof. Ndifon has denied the allegations, the Vice Chancellor found his explanations unsatisfactory, leading to his suspension and the launch of an investigation. This case underscores the need for universities to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, address allegations of misconduct seriously, and take appropriate action to ensure justice prevails.
