Sexual Harassment: UNICAL Suspends Law Faculty Dean

Cyril Ndifon, the dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has been suspended over allegations of sexual harassment.

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

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

The protesting students Clad in their white shirts and black skirts — were chanting “Ndifon, go! go”!

The students carried placards with disturbing inscriptions.

Some of the inscriptions read: “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”.

On Wednesday, the authorities of the institution began a probe into the allegations against Ndifon.

During the investigation, the vice chancellor expressed dissatisfaction with the dean’s explanations, leading to the subsequent suspension.

In the letter, UNICAL management said Ndifon violated the institution’s established laws and policies.

The letter added that the suspension is effective from August 17, 2023.

“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 letter reads in part.

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