UNICAL suspends lecturer accused of sexual harassment

The management of the University of Calabar has suspended the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon, over allegations of sexual harassment.

Ndifon’s suspension which took effect from Thursday followed a probe into the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by some female students of the faculty on Monday.

A viral video on social media had shown the students of the faculty storming the office of the school’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, wielding placards with inscriptions such as, “Ndifon must go for our sanity,” “We are tired of buying law journals,” “We are tired of lecturers not attending classes,” and “Law girls are not your bonanza; Prof. Ndifon should stop grabbing us and others.”

However, in an interview with CrossRiverWatch, the professor denied the allegations, saying the protest was orchestrated by individuals within the faculty who held a grudge against him.

In a letter by the school’s Registrar, Gabriel Egbe, made available to PUNCH Metro on Thursday through the university’s spokesperson, Eyo Bassey, the management said it was unsatisfied with the response to a query served on Ndifon.

The letter partly read, “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 August 16, 2023.

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