Sexual assault : UNICAL suspends Law dean, Prof Cyril Ndifon

The University of Calabar has suspended the dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon over alleged sexual harassment of female students.

His suspension was contained in a letter dated August 17, 2023, and signed by the institution’s registrar, Gabriel Egbe.

The letter said Ndifon was suspended for violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution.

 In 2015, Ndifon was arrested, detained, and suspended by the university over the same accusations of sexually assaulting female students.

A few days ago, female law students carried placards and protested on campus, calling for his removal.

 Some of the placards had inscriptions such as, “Ndifon must go!” “We’re tired of sucking dicks for marks”, “Law girls are not bonanza,” and “Prof Ndifon must stop grabbing our bum bums.”

 According to the letter, the suspension came on the heels of Ndifon’s response to a query earlier issued to him by the University management.

The Vice Chancellor was said to be dissatisfied with Prof. Ndifon’s response to the query issued to him.

As a result, the VC directed that Ndifon be relieved of his position as Dean and placed on suspension.

 The authorities referred the matter to a panel that will be set up to investigate the allegations levelled against him.

 Part of the letter reads: “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 16th August 2023.

 “The Vice Chancellor has gone through your written representations and is not satisfied with your explanations.

 “She has therefore directed that you should be relieved of your position as Dean, Faculty of Law, and placed on suspension while the matter is referred to a panel that will be set up to investigate these allegations.

 “The relieving of position as Dean, Faculty of Law, and suspension from official duties take effect from August 17, 2023.

 “You are to hand over all university property in your possession, including all official responsibilities presently handled by you, to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty before vacating office.

 ”You are to stay away from the University premises except while responding to invitations from the panel investigating these allegations.”