UNICAL suspend Faculty Dean over sexual harassment (FULL TEXT)

The Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Cyril Ndifon, has been suspended by the management of the institution for allegedly violating its laws and policies.

This action follows recent protests by law students who accused the dean of sexual harassment.

It is worth noting that Prof. Ndifon was previously suspended in 2015 for the same issue, but he successfully defended himself in a legal battle.

In a letter issued by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, it was stated that the suspension would be effective from August 17, 2023.

The decision to suspend the dean was made after he responded to a query from the University Management, which the Vice Chancellor found unsatisfactory.

Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has been suspended by the university management for reportedly violating the institution’s existing laws and policies.

The decision to suspend him comes shortly after several law students of the university staged a protest against alleged sexual harassment by the dean.

This is not the first time Prof. Cyril Ndifon has faced suspension for this issue.

Back in 2015, he was suspended but managed to clear himself after a legal battle.

In a letter sent by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, it was stated that the suspension will take effect from August 17, 2023.

The letter explains that the suspension was a result of the Dean’s unsatisfactory response to a query from the University Management, which left the Vice Chancellor dissatisfied.

The letter reads this;

” 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 relief of position as Dean, Faculty of Law and suspension from official duties takes 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 an invitation from the panel investigating these allegations”