UNICAL suspends lecturer accused of sexual harassment

The management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended Cyril Ndifon, the embattled dean of the faculty of law accused of sexual harassment.

The suspension was announced on Thursday in a letter signed by Gabriel Egbe, the varsity’s registrar.

Part of the letter stated: “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.”

On Monday, some female students, led by Benedict Otu, the president of the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), held a protest, demanding the sack of Ndifon.

The students carried placards with inscriptions: “Professor Ndifon let the girls with big breasts breathe stop suffocating us”, “Enough of law school list manipulation”, and “Professor Ndifon must go for our sanity”.

The authorities of the institution on Wednesday began an investigation into the allegations against Ndifon.

Ndifon’s suspension is pending an investigation into the allegations and is also effective from August 17, 2023.

He was directed to transfer all the varsity’s property in his possession, along with his official responsibilities, before vacating his office.

Also, he was instructed to stay away from the school premises, except when responding to an invitation from the panel overseeing the investigation.