- Prof. Cyril Ndifon was suspended on Aug. 17 following allegations bordering on highhandedness
- Ndifon was accused of improper behaviour towards female students, among other irregularities
Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, has approved the appointment of Dr. Rose Ugbe as the Acting Dean, Faculty of Law.
A statement by the Registrar of the University, Mr Gabriel Egbe, said that Ugbe would replace Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the former Dean, who was suspended on Aug. 17 following allegations bordering on highhandedness.
Ndifon is specifically accused of improper behaviour towards female students, among other irregularities.
Already, a seven-man panel has been set up to look into the allegations.
The school indicated that Ugbe’s appointment took effect from Tuesday, August 22, and would run till a substantive Dean is elected for the faculty.
It said that Ugbe would take up the responsibilities and duties associated with the office and also oversee the faculty’s academic programmes.
She would also foster a healthy relationship among staff and students, and create a positive environment for teaching and learning in the faculty.
Other functions include supporting faculty members in their research activities and collaborating with the University administration to implement and actualise the institution’s vision.
In the same vein, the Executive Director, Project Alert on Violence Against Women, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, has called on relevant authorities to investigate thoroughly, the allegation of sexual assault levelled against the suspended Dean.
Effah-Chukwuma, in a statement, yesterday, said: “Nigerians cannot continue to operate lawlessly and corruptly. We cannot continue to be silent, blind, deaf and dumb to evil, especially as it affects our youths in educational institutions.
“Our schools, primary, secondary and university, should be safe places for our children. Our institutions should not be staging areas for the destruction of our children’s lives.”
She said it was disheartening to see that sexual harassment and misconduct were pervasive in universities across Nigeria, including the University of Calabar.
“These actions not only harm the victims but also undermine the quality of education. It’s crucial for institutions to take these allegations seriously, investigate thoroughly, and hold the responsible individuals accountable. Together, we can work towards a society with zero tolerance for such violence.
“This news story highlights the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the allegations, ensuring the safety and well-being of the students, and holding accountable those responsible for sexual harassment within the academic environment.”
Effah-Chukwuma called on the police to arrest, investigate and prosecute Prof. Ndifon and any other lecturer mentioned in this criminal act.
“We encourage the police to be more detailed and professional in carrying out their investigations this time, leaving no stone unturned.
“Impunity should not be encouraged or tolerated by the police, with ‘a call from above’ from the police hierarchy, corrupt family members and friends of Prof Ndifon in politics, governance or otherwise sufficient to subvert justice.”
Discussion about this post