An investigative panel set up by the University of Calabar to probe allegations of sexual harassment involving the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, has concluded that he is guilty of gross misconduct.
The panel’s report revealed that Prof. Ndifon abused his position to intimidate and solicit sexual favors from female students, in addition to engaging in the exploitation of students.
Despite dismissing the accusations as politically motivated, the university suspended him and formed a panel led by Prof. Florence Obi.
The panel recommended that Prof. Ndifon face the university’s Disciplinary Committee, refund funds collected for a nonexistent Law Journal, and address issues within the Faculty of Law.
The panel, comprising distinguished individuals, including Prof. Dorothy Oluwagbemi-Jacob, Prof. Patrick Egaga, and Prof. Ayodeji T. Owolabi, meticulously investigated the allegations.
They gathered evidence through oral and written submissions, involving victims, fellow lecturers, and the Law Students Association President.
The panel substantiated allegations that Prof. Ndifon had manipulated and mistreated female students, deliberately delaying their graduation and coercing them into paying for a non-existent Faculty Journal.
The report unequivocally recommended appropriate sanctions for acts of major and gross misconduct. Furthermore, the panel recommended specific actions to rectify the situation within the Faculty of Law, emphasizing the importance of addressing academic standards, discipline, and merit.
They highlighted the need for reorientation among younger academics to uphold the university’s values and ideals.
