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By: Naheemat Oyekanmi
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has taken the decision to suspend Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, for reportedly violating the institution’s laws and policies. In a letter issued by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, the suspension is set to be effective from August 17, 2023.
The suspension stems from Prof. Ndifon’s response to a previous query issued by the University’s authorities. However, the Vice Chancellor expressed dissatisfaction with his response, prompting the suspension. In addition to the suspension, Prof. Ndifon has been relieved of his position as the Dean of the Law Faculty. The suspension will remain in place pending an investigation by a panel that will be formed to ascertain the veracity of the allegations against him.
The University management’s decision to suspend Prof. Ndifon comes in the wake of protests by law students, predominantly females, who alleged sexual harassment and corrupt practices by the Dean. Social media has seen further testimonies from other individuals who have claimed to be victims of his alleged misconduct.
One account came from Prof. Sinem Abasi Ekong of the University of Uyo, who accused Prof. Ndifon of forcibly engaging in sexual activity with her daughter on two separate occasions in his office. Another testimony, this time from Nelly Idagba, a former law student and now a lawyer and artist, recounted her narrow escape from harassment.
These allegations have led to a movement seeking justice and change. The TrueMyVoice Community initiated a petition through Change.org, demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into accusations of sexual harassment and gender-based misconduct involving faculty members, particularly Prof. Ndifon. The petition also calls for the establishment of mechanisms to protect students who report misconduct and educate the campus community about sexual harassment prevention.
This suspension isn’t the first instance of allegations against Prof. Ndifon. In 2015, a female student accused him of sexual assault, which led to his suspension. However, he was later cleared of these allegations and reinstated as the Dean in 2017.
Prof. Ndifon has recently refuted claims of misconduct and sexual harassment, attributing the protests to individuals within the faculty who seek to undermine him. The situation highlights the growing demand for accountability and the eradication of harassment within educational institutions.
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