Alleged sexual harassment: Suspended UNICAL Dean files lawsuit against VC, others for defamation
In a significant development, Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Law Faculty at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has taken legal action against the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, and several others. This move comes in response to allegations of character defamation and a series of events that have left Prof. Ndifon feeling wronged and misrepresented.
The lawsuit, which was filed in a National Industrial Court located in Calabar, lists UNICAL’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, UNICAL Registrar, and Prof. Dorathy Oluwagbemi-Jacob as defendants. Prof. Ndifon’s primary grievance revolves around what he perceives as an orchestrated effort to tarnish his reputation, despite his innocence.
Prof. Ndifon alleges that the Vice Chancellor colluded with Mr. Obi Benedict Otu, the President of the Law Students Association (LAWSAN) at UNICAL, and Destiny Omokiti, one of the VC’s nieces, to stage a protest against him with the intent of discrediting him. According to his claims, Mr. Otu later admitted to concealing the true purpose of the protest from innocent students, many of whom were newcomers to the university, which subsequently prompted a public apology.
Furthermore, Prof. Ndifon contends that his right to access UNICAL premises has been unjustly restricted, and he has faced severe prejudice as a result. He emphasizes that his removal from the position of Dean of the Law Faculty was executed without the necessary prior votes and proper procedures prescribed by the University of Calabar Act.
In response to the lawsuit, Mr. Effiong Eyo, the university’s Public Relations Officer, clarified that UNICAL had initiated an investigation into the allegations against Prof. Ndifon. Mr. Eyo emphasized that no verdict of guilt had been reached, and the institution’s actions were rooted in the need to examine the alleged misconduct. With Prof. Ndifon opting for legal recourse, the university is prepared to participate in the forthcoming legal proceedings.
